Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may often cause confusion due to their overlapping gastrointestinal symptoms. However, IBD vs IBS are two very different medical conditions. They have distinct causes, treatments, and implications. Read on to learn what the differences are, how they are treated, and when you should see a doctor.
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What Is IBD?
IBD is a chronic condition whereby there is an inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Prolonged inflammation if left untreated, can lead to permanent damage of the bowel, ulcers, and even malnutrition.
Key Symptoms Of IBD:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
IBD can be diagnosed through colonoscopy, blood tests, and imaging scans. These can often reveal any visible damage or inflammation in the digestive tract.
Treatment For IBD
IBD treatment is aimed at controlling inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and maintain long-term remission. Depending on the severity, anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed to reduce gut inflammation. For moderate to severe cases, immunosuppressants or biologic therapies targeting specific immune responses may be used. In some cases, surgical intervention is required. This is especially so if complications like strictures, abscess (abdominal or perianal), bowel fistula, or bowel obstructions arise. Nutritional support is often necessary to manage deficiencies and promote healing. Regular monitoring is essential due to the risk of complications such as colorectal cancer.
What Is IBS?
IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means it affects how the gut works, but does not cause structural damage to the gut. IBS is often triggered by stress, diet, or changes in gut microbiota, and it does not cause inflammation or permanent harm.
Key Symptoms Of IBS:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Mucus in the stool
- Abdominal discomfort
IBS is usually diagnosed based on symptom history and by ruling out other conditions like IBD or coeliac disease.
Treatment For IBS
IBS treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life through dietary, lifestyle, and psychological adjustments. A common first step is adopting a low FODMAP diet to limit the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that trigger bloating and discomfort. Medications like laxatives and antispasmodics may also help.
IBD Vs IBS: Key Differences
The following table summarises the key differences between IBD Vs IBS.
| Feature | IBD | IBS |
| Cause | Autoimmune, inflammation | Functional gut-brain disorder |
| Damage To Gut | Yes | No |
| Risk Of Complications | High (e.g. cancer, fistula, bowel obstruction, malnutrition) | Low |
| Diagnosis | Endoscopy, biopsy, blood tests, imaging | Evaluation to rule out structural disease |
| Treatment | Anti-inflammatory drugs, biologics, surgery | Diet, stress management, symptomatic medications |
Understanding IBD vs IBS helps avoid misdiagnosis and ensures timely treatment. While IBD requires medical intervention to control inflammation, IBS is more about lifestyle modifications and symptom management.
When To See A Doctor
You should see a doctor if you experience persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhoea, or blood in your stool. These symptoms can overlap between IBS and IBD, but the presence of severe or worsening signs may indicate a more serious condition like IBD. Also, if your bowel habits change suddenly, or over-the-counter treatments are not working, then medical evaluation would be important. For those already diagnosed, any new symptoms, increased fatigue, or nutritional deficiencies also warrant attention. Early intervention not only improves outcomes but also reduces the risk of long-term complications.
At Juanda Leo Gastroenterology Liver Clinic, you will receive expert gastrointestinal care tailored to your needs. Located at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore, we welcome patients for both first-time assessments and follow-up management.
Book your appointment with Dr Juanda Leo Hartono today and take the first step towards feeling better.