Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 5/21/2022
Doctor's Notes on IBD vs. IBS
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic inflammation of any part of the digestive tract (from mouth to anus) and has two main types, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered a chronic functional disorder of the GI tract because in people with the disease, the GI tract acts abnormally, but there is no structural damage from a specific disease. Signs and symptoms unique to IBD include
- diarrhea that may be bloody,
- rectal bleeding,
- weight loss,
- joint pains,
- skin problems,
- fever, and/or
- severe or chronic abdominal pain.
Signs and symptoms unique to IBS include
- non-bloody diarrhea,
- abdominal discomfort (not severe or chronic),
- gas,
- bloating,
- changes in bowel frequency and stool appearance,
- pain or discomfort that improves after a bowel movement,
- constipation,
- feeling unable to empty bowels, and
- mucus in stools.
Possible causes for IBD include autoimmune response or immune over-reaction and/or genetics. Possible causes of IBS include brain-gut signal problems, GI motility problems, high GI pain sensitivity, altered levels of neurotransmitters, food sensitivities, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, GI bacterial infection, and/or genetics.
What Are the Treatments for IBD vs. IBS?
The treatments for IBS focus on relieving symptoms; this is done mainly by diet changes and stress reduction. In addition, medications approved for IBS include the following:
- Alosetron: colon relaxer
- Eluxadoline: reduce GI muscle contractions
- Rifaximin: antibiotic to decrease bacterial overgrowth
- Lubiprostone: increase fluid secretions
- Linaclotide: increase fluid secretions
In contrast, IBD focuses on reducing inflammation of bowel tissue with the following drug therapy or surgery:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids
- Immune suppressors like azathioprine
- Biologics like adalimumab
- Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin
- Supplements and/or nutritional support
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about IBD vs. IBS.
Stomach Pain : Nausea & Other Causes Quiz
QuestionBowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Abdominal Pain (Adults)
Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment of abdominal pain in adults and when to seek medical care for related conditions such as pancreatitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. -
Constipation (Adults)
Constipation in adults refers to difficulty in passing stools or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Causes of constipation in adults include a poor diet, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, inadequate fluid intake, poor bowel habits, certain medications, pregnancy, certain diseases or conditions, age, and more. Treatment for constipation include lifestyle changes, OTC remedies, and medication if necessary. -
Constipation in Children
Constipation in infants and children affects up to 10% of children at any given time. Causes of constipation in infants and children include a wilfulness to avoid the toilet, prior painful or frightening experiences that make them avoid the bathroom, a concern for lack of privacy in public restrooms, changes in diet, dehydration, and several medical disorders. Symptoms of constipation in infants and children include vague abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and bedwetting. Home remedies can be helpful with mild constipation, however, it may be necessary for the affected infant or child to see a pediatrician or other health care professional. -
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is a chronic long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, and infections of the urinary tract and vagina. Treatment for Crohn's disease includes lifestyle changes in diet, medication, and surgery. -
Crohn's Disease Anatomy
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and any part of the digestive tract can be involved (from the mouth to the anus). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include bloating, constipation, and pain or bleeding with a bowel movement (rectal bleeding). Crohn's disease can cause complications in the digestive system. Nutritional complications are common in people with Crohn's disease. -
Crohn's Disease Diet
People with Crohn's disease have many challenges, particularly their dietary and nutritional needs. Some foods may aggravate symptoms, while other foods may not cause problems. Malnutrition is a concern with people with Crohn's disease. Foods that may aggravate symptoms include high fiber foods like popcorn, nuts, and vegetables, alcohol, milk and other dairy products, spicy foods, fatty foods, and fried foods. Often, a parenteral nutrition (TPN) or elemental diet may be recommended to reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease. -
Crohn's Disease FAQs
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is a chronic condition that is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and fever. Treatment options include diet changes, medication, and surgery. The prognosis for Crohn's disease depends on the patient and the areas affected by Crohn's disease. -
Crohn's Disease in Children and Teens
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the small intestine. Crohn's disease is also referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease in children and teens generally develop symptoms before the age of 20. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, appetite loss, and slowed growth. Management of Crohn's disease in children and teens is possible with medication and lifestyle changes. -
Crohn's Disease Treatment Medications (Side Effects, List)
Crohn's disease medications prescribed for the treatment of the disease, and symptom relief include aspirin like anti-inflammatories, for example, mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Apriso, Lialda, Canasa, Rowasa), olsalazine (Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, EN-Tabs). Corticosteroids, for example, budesonide (Entocort), methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone). Immunosuppressants, for example, azathioprine (Imuran), 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol), and methotrexate (Folex). Biologic drugs, for example, infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and certolimumab (Cimzia). Review the list of these drugs and their side effects. -
Crohn's Disease: Living With Crohn's Disease
Living with Crohn's disease can be stressful, depressing, and frustrating. Crohn's disease is not curable, but there are a variety of things that can improve the quality-of-life for people with the disease, for example, medications, lifestyle changes, diet, and surgery. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration. -
Endoscopy Procedure: Diagnosing Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease can be diagnosed by a variety of procedures and tests such as endoscopy. There are several different names for endoscopy, and it depends on what part of the digestive tract being examined. Types of endoscopy include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, and balloon endoscopy, or enteroscopy. Preparation for endoscopy depends on the type of test being performed. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, fever, anemia, decrease in appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain and cramping. -
How Do You Test for IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?
I’ve been having intestinal pain and diarrhea for the last week, but I don’t have any other symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach flu. I’m worried I might have inflammatory bowel disease. How is IBD diagnosed? How do you test for IBD? -
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of diseases and conditions in which the intestines and other digestive structures become inflamed. Two of these diseases are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of IBD is not known; however, they may be a result of an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue. Symptoms of IBD vary from person to person, and also vary by disease, but may include bloody diarrhea, fever, anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Treatment for IBD include diet, lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. -
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal and functional bowel disorder causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and gas. Learn about treatment options. -
Joint Pain
Joint pain can be caused by injury or disease affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Pain also occurs with joint inflammation (arthritis) and infection. Joint pain symptoms can be associated with local warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment depends on the cause and can include rest, cold applications, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. -
Rectal Bleeding
Read about causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, tumors, trauma, and inflammation of the bowel. Also learn when to see a doctor for medical treatment. -
Stomach Pain (Abdominal Pain) in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Stool Color Changes
Stool color changes and textures to black, tarry, sticky, red, maroon, clay-colored, gray, pale, and yellow can have a variety of causes. Causes include hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, tumors, alcohol abuse, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular bleeding due to diverticulitis, medication, changes in diet, and other conditions. Treatment of changes in stool color depend on the cause. -
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC include medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.