How Long Does an IBS Flare-Up Last? Topic Guide

Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have common symptoms and signs, for example, constipation, the feeling of still having to go to the bathroom after a bowel movement, and changes in bowel movements. Colon cancer causes rectal bleeding while IBS does not. Other signs and symptoms of colon cancer that do not occur in IBS include anemia due to blood loss, fatigue, pale skin, unexplained weight loss, and rectal pain. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that do not occur with colon cancer include abdominal cramping and pain that is relieved with bowel movements. Alternating periods of constipation (IBS-C) and diarrhea (IBS-D), intestinal gas, passing mucous from the rectum, bloating, and abdominal distension. Many people with IBS have indigestion, however, it is not a symptom of IBS. Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the colon. If these abnormal cells spread through the colon wall the cancer can spread to other areas of the body (metastasize). IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious and does not cause colon cancer.

Diverticulosis is a condition that describes small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the digestive tract that occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis can develop. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements.

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD consists of a group of gastrointestinal (GI, digestive) tract diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract (from the esophagus to the anus). The most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. While irritable bowel syndrome or IBS a functional disease and is comprised of a group of symptoms that affect only the colon and cause symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. Both IBD and IBS cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping and pain. But that is where the similarities end. IBD symptoms are more serious and severe and include bloody diarrhea, joint pain, skin problems, eye problems, fever, and severe and/or chronic abdominal pain. The symptoms of IBS often are uncomfortable and painful and include bloating, gas, mild to moderate abdominal pain, diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), changes in the frequency if bowel movements, discomfort or pain that resolves after a bowel movement, whitish mucus in the stool, changes in the way stools look, and the feeling of having to have a bowel movement after just having one. Researchers do not know what causes either GI condition, but they believe that there are genetic and immune response factors involved in IBD. IBS is a condition in which the colon does not function normally (functional disease), but there is no structural damage to it, for example, it does not cause ulcers in colon. IBD can affect the entire digestive tract while IBS only affects the colon. Treatment for both conditions is to primarily to manage the symptoms. Other treatments for IBD depend upon the type of IBD, the severity, any other problems with health, the part of the GI tract affected, medications, stress management, supplements, and in some cases, surgery. IBS treatment involves managing symptoms and avoiding triggers that worsen them, for example, stress management, dietary changes, exercise, and other therapies.The prognosis for inflammatory bowel disease depends upon the type and severity of disease. The prognosis for IBS depends upon how well the patient does with changes in diet, exercise, and stress management. There is no cure for either disease. REFERENCES: Womenshealth.gov. "Inflammatory bowel disease." Updated Apr 18, 2017.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed by avoiding IBS triggers that cause symptom flares. IBS-related diarrhea and constipation associated with IBS can be caused by triggers such as: Diet Stress Anxiety Medications (antidepressants) Menstruation Learn what these triggers are and how to prevent IBS-related episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal and functional bowel disorder causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and gas. Learn about treatment options.

Cancer of the ovary or other ovarian tissue has few symptoms until the cancer has progressed severely or spread to other organs and tissues of the body (metastasized). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition in which the function of the small intestine is impaired, share similar symptoms and signs with ovarian cancer, for example, abdominal cramping and pain, abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs that do not occur with IBS include irregular vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse, urinating frequently (if the tumor is pressing on the bladder), and ascites. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that do not occur with ovarian cancer include IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with predominantly diarrhea), IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with predominantly constipation), passing mucous with stool, and changes in stool consistency and frequency.

Crohn's disease does not require a specific diet, but it does help to eat certain healthy foods in that are easier on your digestive tract and prevent flares (worsening symptoms). These foods include low-fiber fruits, lean protein, refined grains, and fully-cooked vegetables.

Warning signs of pancreatitis include symptoms such as sudden, severe, constant pain in the upper part of the abdomen; pain that wraps around the upper body or radiates to the back; and pain that usually lasts for days and is frequently relieved by leaning forward. People with gallstone pancreatitis or alcoholic pancreatitis may experience different symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers on the colon, as well as diarrhea and bleeding. The first symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include loose and urgent bowel movements, frequent need to empty the bowels, bloody stool, abdominal cramps and pain, and persistent diarrhea.