IBS vs. IBD

IBS and IBD are often mistaken in conversation for one another and rightfully so…it is a letter. However, they are very different. IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBD is inflammatory Bowel Disease. There are two diagnoses that are classified as IBD: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be referred to as spastic colon. IBS affects the large intestine (aka colon). As painful as it may be, it does not cause damage to colon. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or alternating constipation. It can be very frustrating for IBS sufferers because routine medical testing does not show any abnormalities, however the symptoms are very real. IBS is believed to be caused by infection, food aggravators (as opposed to food allergies) and/or stress and may be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as various medications.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). These chronic diseases are very different, however the symptoms may present the same. They are also characterized by many of the similar symptoms as IBS, but additionally may include fever, weight loss, fatigue, dehydration, rectal bleeding, anemia and malnutrition. UC and CD cause inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Ulcerative Colitis causes inflammation and ulcerations in the lining (mucosa) of the colon, or large intestine and rectum, causing bleeding. Crohn’s Disease generally affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) but may also involve the large intestine, or any part of the digestive tract. The inflammation involved with Crohn’s may extend through the entire wall of the intestine. The inflammation for both of these diseases may cause severe damage and complications.

Obviously, I am just scratching the surface of these very involved diagnoses. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s are considered auto-immune diseases, but that opens up a whole other can of worms that I am saving for next time…