IBS and IBD
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between IBS and IBD? While there are some similarities with symptoms. Research shows that they are two very different, and separate diseases.
We will discuss:
- What is IBS
- What is IBD
- Similarities between the two
- Differences between the two
- We discuss whether IBS and IBD are related
We hope to clear up any confusion between these two diseases. As well as show how they may be linked.
What is IBS?
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. It is a common condition that is characterized by abdominal discomfort and pain. Along with altered bowel movements.
Recent research shows that IBS may be linked to a hypersensitivity of nerves along the gastrointestinal tract.
IBS is very common. It occurs in about 15% of United States citizens. And is twice as common in women than men.
There are three subcategories of IBS:
- IBS-C: involving mostly constipation
- IBS-D: involving mostly diarrhea
- IBS-mixed: involving a mixture of both
There are many symptoms associated with IBS, including:
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Urgency
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Food intolerances
IBS can have a huge impact on the sufferer’s life. It can affect their ability to enjoy eating. Take part in social gatherings. And can create food aversion.
There are currently no laboratory or imaging tests done to diagnose IBS. It is usually diagnosed when other conditions have been ruled out.
What is IBD?
IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease. It is a term used for two diseases, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Blood in stools
IBD can be diagnosed in a variety of ways, including:
- Stool samples
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy
- MRI or CAT scan
IBD can have a huge impact on the sufferer’s life. Many people with IBD feel as if they cannot live a normal life due to their debilitating symptoms.
Medical treatments for IBD are often not effective in managing the disease long-term.
Similarities Between IBS and IBD
One of the biggest similarities between the two diseases is their name. I believe it is unfortunate that the two disease names are so similar. It causes people to confuse, and blend the two of them.
Symptoms of both IBS and IBD can be quite similar. They both create an abdominal response. Including: pain, diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements.
Both diseases may cause the patient to have to change their diet, and lifestyle. Both patients can benefit from removing ultra-processed foods from their diet. And may benefit from eating a whole foods diet.
Both diseases can be debilitating for the patient. Both can severely impact the patients quality of life. They can negatively impact a person’s social life. Ability to work or travel. And their own self image.
Both diseases are classified as incurable. They can be managed to help improve the patients quality of life.
Both IBS and IBD are affected by dysbiosis found in the gut. An overgrowth of bad bacteria, and low populations of good bacteria.
Both can be affected by stress.
Differences Between IBS and IBD
A major difference in the two conditions is the IBD involves chronic inflammation. This increase in inflammation can increase the risk of bowel cancer. There is no increase in bowel cancer risk with IBS.
Most research shows that IBS does not involve inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
IBD can be seen during a diagnostic exam such as an endoscopy. IBS cannot be seen during any diagnostic exams.
IBD is classified as a disease. While IBS is classified as a syndrome.
IBD often requires surgery at some point during the disease progression. IBS does not require surgery.
IBS is fairly common, affecting about 15% of the US population. While IBD is much less common. It affects less than 1% of the worldwide population.
Can IBS Turn Into IBD?
There is a lot of conflicting information about this topic. While researching for this post I read lots of different articles. Many say that there is no connection between the two diseases.
But some research shows that that they might be the same disease. Just on opposite ends of the spectrum
IBD and IBD have many similar symptoms. And both diseases are on the rise in many areas of the world.
For now, the research has not come up with a clear answer.
Personally, I think they are the same disease. I even believe that I used to have IBS, and that it developed into IBD.
When I was a child I thought it was normal to have to poop most times that you peed. I never had any abdominal pain. Or bloody stools. But I have always pooped a lot.
Although I never had any tests done during this time period. I would guess that I had IBS.
It was not until I encountered the stresses of university that symptoms of IBD started to appear. Bloody stools, fatigue, weight loss. All new symptoms, and all symptoms of IBD.
So What Does This Mean for You if You Already Have IBS?
I think that if there is a connection between IBS and IBD. Then the best thing you can do with an IBS diagnosis is manage the disease as best as possible.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet with IBS may help manage the disease. And prevent it from progressing further. Remember to find your individual food intolerances as well.
Doing an elimination diet can help find trigger foods.
Eliminating all ultra-processed foods from your diet will also remove many pro-inflammatory foods. Which may prevent the growth of inflammation in your body.
The current view point is that IBS and IBD are completely different diseases. Although there are many overlaps. New research may change this, as currently there is lots of conflicting data.
There is one key difference between the conditions. IBD is chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. And IBS is a functional disorder, with no physical appearance in the body.
Both can be managed by changes in diet and lifestyle.