IBS is a common intestinal disease that is caused mainly due to abnormal communication between the nervous system and the bowel muscles along with stress, infections, and poor dietary habits. Whereas IBD is a group of disorders characterized by prolonged inflammation in various parts of the digestive tract.

What is the difference between IBD and IBS?

IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) –

– Group of disorders characterized by prolonged inflammation in various parts of the digestive tract.

-The two main conditions that are classified as IBD-

(a) Crohn’s disease – It can affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract.

(b) Ulcerative colitis- It is a lifelong condition that’s characterized by recurring episodes of inflammation in the mucosal layer of the colon.

IBS (Inflammatory bowel syndrome) –

-It is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

-IBS has physical symptoms, but the causes are not currently well understood.

What are the causes of IBD and IBS

Causes of IBD-

The exact cause is unknown.

• Genetics.
• Environmental factors, like stress.

Causes of IBS-

It is not known for certain, but the following conditions may increase your risk-

• Food intolerance and sensitivities.
•  Bacterial infections.
•  Genetics.

What are the similar symptoms of IBD and IBS?

Mostly diagnosed in young people, similar symptoms of both conditions include:

• Constipation and diarrhea.
• Belly pain
• Bloating

What are the different symptoms of IBD and IBS?

IBD can cause-

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Inflammation in joints, eyes, or skin.
• Bloody or black stool.

IBS can cause-

• Nausea
• More gas than usual and feel like you still need to go after a bowel movement.

What is the type of pain experienced in IBD and IBS?

IBD pain-

• Pain in the abdomen is also a common symptom of IBD.
• The patient also complaint pain in other parts of the body, such as-
• Painful joints.
• Pain around the rectum.
• Skin sensitivity.

IBS pain-

Pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom of IBS.

• Continuous or frequent abdominal pain is there.
• Pain is more often felt in the lower abdomen.
• People complain of different types of pain, including-

-Aching

-Sharp, or stabbing

-Throbbing

-Cramping

 How can we diagnose IBS and IBD?

IBS-

Diagnosis is usually based on the –

• Family history
• Symptom report
• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Ruling out other conditions

IBD-

Following are the tests used to diagnose IBD-

• Blood tests
• Xray
• Stool studies
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Biopsy

For more information, you can visit Healthline and WebMD.