Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Many people confuse IBS with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but they are two distinct conditions. This article will explore the differences between the two conditions.
Recognizing Common IBS Symptoms
The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, but some are more common. People with IBS often experience cramping, bloating, gas, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Changes in bowel habits are also a hallmark of the condition, including diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. These symptoms tend to come and go, and certain foods or stress may trigger flare-ups.
The common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation. Some people may also experience mucus in their stool or a sense of incomplete bowel movements.
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves different tests, as the underlying conditions are very different. IBS is a functional disorder (no visible damage to the digestive tract), while IBD (which includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) is a structural disease that involves chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the diagnostic process for IBS and IBD, along with their specific differences.
Since IBS doesn’t cause structural damage to the GI tract, diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and the exclusion of other conditions. There are no definitive tests for IBS.
Diagnostic Criteria for IBS: Rome IV Criteria
To be diagnosed with IBS, a patient must meet the Rome IV Criteria:
- Recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following:
- Related to defecation (pain improves or worsens after a bowel movement).
- Change in stool frequency.
- Change in stool form (appearance).
- Symptoms must have started at least 6 months before diagnosis.
- No structural or biochemical abnormalities that can explain the symptoms.
Tests to Rule Out Other Conditions (IBS Diagnosis):
Doctors may run some tests to exclude other diseases, including IBD:
- Blood Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Rules out anemia and infection.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP) – Normal in IBS; elevated in IBD.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – Normal in IBS; elevated in IBD.
- Thyroid Function Tests – To rule out hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Stool Tests:
- Fecal Calprotectin – Normal in IBS; elevated in IBD (indicates inflammation).
- Fecal Occult Blood Test – No blood in IBS; may show blood in IBD.
- Lactose Intolerance Test – To rule out lactose intolerance.
- Celiac Disease Screening – To rule out gluten sensitivity.
- Colonoscopy or Endoscopy – Not typically needed unless red-flag symptoms are present.
Red-Flag Symptoms That Suggest It’s Not IBS:
If any of these symptoms are present, further investigation for IBD or other serious conditions is required:
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Bloody stools.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Persistent diarrhea that wakes you up at night.
- Family history of IBD or colon cancer.
Different Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are three main types of IBS, each categorized based on the predominant bowel habits:
IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): Individuals experience hard, infrequent stools and straining during bowel movements.
IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): People with IBS-D experience frequent loose or watery stools.
Mixed IBS (IBS-M): This type involves a combination of both constipation and diarrhea, alternating between the two.
Understanding your type of IBS is important for choosing the right treatment approach.
IBS “Irritable Bowel” vs IBD “Inflammatory Bowel”: Key Differences Explained
Nature of Disease:
IBS: Functional (no structural damage)
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Structural (chronic inflammation and tissue damage)
Type of Symptoms:
IBS: Abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss
Red-Flag Symptoms:
IBS: Rare
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Common (blood in stool, weight loss, fever)
Blood Test Results:
IBS: Normal
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Elevated CRP, ESR
Stool Test Results:
IBS: Normal
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Elevated fecal calprotectin
Colonoscopy Findings:
IBS: Normal
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Shows ulcers, inflammation, or lesions
Biopsy Findings:
IBS: Normal
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Crypt abscesses, granulomas, transmural inflammation
Imaging Findings:
IBS: Normal
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Bowel thickening, strictures, fistulas (Crohn’s)
Response to Diet and Stress:
IBS: Symptoms triggered by diet, stress
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): Symptoms related to inflammation
Risk of Complications:
IBS: No long-term damage
IBD (Crohn’s/UC): High risk of complications (fistulas, cancer)
Effective Treatment Options for IBS
When dietary changes are insufficient, medications can be used to manage symptoms.
Most Effective IBS Medications:
- Solamyn– Uesed for chronic diarrhea; bowel urgency; abdominal cramping
- Loperamide – Used for diarrhea.
- Linaclotide – Used for constipation and pain.
- Rifaximin – Used for bloating, diarrhea, and SIBO.
- Antispasmodics (Hyoscine, Dicyclomine) – Used for abdominal pain and cramping.
- Amitriptyline – Used for pain relief, especially if symptoms are stress-related.
Solamyn is a combination of two antihistamines in a specific ratio that has been shown to reduce diarrhea, frequency, and urgency associated with stools. It has also been shown to decrease abdominal pain associated with IBS-Diarrhea.
Can diet changes help manage IBS symptoms?
Many patients find that dietary adjustments help reduce IBS symptoms. The most common dietary intervention is the Low FODMAP Diet.
This diet limits foods that contain Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols — short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the gut.
High FODMAP Foods to Avoid:
- Fruits: Apples, pears, mangoes, cherries
- Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic
- Dairy: Milk, yogurt, cheese
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
- Sweeteners: Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candy)
How It Works:
- Phase 1: Elimination phase (remove all high FODMAP foods for 4-6 weeks).
- Phase 2: Reintroduction phase (gradually reintroduce foods to identify triggers).
- Phase 3: Maintenance phase (personalized long-term diet based on tolerance).
Effectiveness: Studies show up to 75% of IBS patients experience improvement with the low FODMAP diet.
For more information about ways to manage IBS, visit Get Relief Rx today to explore proven solutions designed to ease your symptoms and improve your gut health. Click here to start feeling better now!
