The difference between IBS and IBD

Digestive health issues are not uncommon and two conditions that often get mixed up are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). While they may share similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and treatments. 

I was diagnosed with IBD in 2012 and when I became a Nutritional Therapist I knew I wanted to support other people with gastrointestinal issues. IBD and IBS are two conditions often seen in my clinic and here I’ll delve into the differences between them, aiming to clear up the confusion that I believe still exists. 

What is IBD?

1. IBD Involves Inflammation:

IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and is characterised by chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. It is an autoimmune disease that can be life threatening. 

2. Types of IBD:

IBD has different subtypes but the two main ones are Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Each affects different parts of the digestive system and presents with distinct symptoms. 

3. Symptoms of IBD: 

Symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation and blood/mucus in stool. Because it causes structural damage to the intestines, It is also common for people living with IBD to develop conditions that occur outside their gastrointestinal tract (also known as extraintestinal manifestations) such as anaemia, mouth ulcers, arthritis, osteoporosis and even cancer. It is important to note that IBD can cause IBS but IBS cannot cause IBD.  

4. Diagnosis of IBD:

Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, endoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsies to confirm the presence of inflammation. 

5. Treatment for IBD:

Treatment for IBD is aimed at controlling inflammation and includes anti-inflammatory medications and in some cases surgery is needed to remove damaged tissue. 

What is IBS?

1. IBS is a Functional Disorder:

IBS on the other hand is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder and is characterised by a group of symptoms. It means that while it can cause significant discomfort and disruption, it doesn't involve structural damage to the digestive tract. 

IBS is not life threatening but severely impacts people’s lives. 

IBS is more common than IBD and includes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M and IBS-U. 

2. Symptoms of IBS:

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both), and gas. Unlike IBD, there is no blood and/or mucus in stool. There are also no extra intestinal symptoms. These symptoms often come and go, and their severity can vary widely. 

3. Diagnosis of IBS:

IBS is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, with specific criteria established by healthcare providers. It's often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other conditions must be ruled out first.

4. Treatment for IBS:

Management typically involves dietary modifications, lifestyle management, and in some cases medications to alleviate symptoms. 

Understanding the difference between IBS and IBD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While the two conditions share some symptoms and both have no cure, they have distinct characteristics and require different approaches to managing and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Both IBD and IBS can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life. Nutritional therapy can be a really useful tool for effective management. If you or someone you know could benefit from Nutritional Therapy, get in touch or book a free 20-minute introductory call here.