Do you often get confused between gastrointestinal diseases, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? These health conditions are often misunderstood due to their symptomatic similarities, however, they have distinctive underlying mechanisms. It becomes important to understand the differences between these conditions for an effective treatment approach. We spoke to Dr Aditya Shah, DM Medical Gastroenterology, Consultant in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai, who listed the differences between these entities and how to identify them.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
“IBS is a functional disorder, characterised by a collection of symptoms affecting the digestive system, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both), without evident structural abnormalities”, said Dr Shah.
Its origin involves multiple factors, such as altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain axis dysfunction, and psychosocial variables. Diagnosis often relies on symptom-based criteria, ruling out other gastrointestinal conditions through a comprehensive evaluation.
Also Read: Does Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain Or Loss? Doctor Answers
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
“On the other hand, IBD encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions, primarily Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with distinct inflammatory changes within the gastrointestinal tract”, said Dr Shah.
Unlike IBS, IBD involves structural damage, inflammation, and immune system dysregulation leading to tissue damage. The symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue, can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
According to StatPearls, it develops in people who are genetically predisposed to it following an augmented immune reaction to a typical trigger, like food or gut flora.
“Diagnosis entails endoscopic evaluation, imaging studies, and histological examination to confirm the inflammatory nature of the condition”, added Dr Shah.
Also Read: Having Inflammatory Bowel Disease Increases Health Complications For Both Mother and Baby
Key Differences Between IBS And IBD
According to Intestinal Research, mucosal inflammation, which is a hallmark of an organic disease in IBD, indicates that IBS is more of a functional problem with no indication of an organic disease. IBD and IBS diagnoses can occur years before each other due to the generic nature of IBS symptoms.
Dr Shah listed the key differences between IBS and IBD as follows:
- Nature of Inflammation: IBS lacks visible inflammation or damage to the gastrointestinal tract, whereas IBD is characterised by chronic inflammation and structural changes.
- Diagnostic Methods: While IBS diagnosis relies on symptom-based criteria, IBD requires a combination of endoscopic, imaging, and histological assessments for confirmation.
- Treatment Approaches: IBS management predominantly involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and symptom-targeted medications. IBD, however, often necessitates a more aggressive approach, including immunosuppressive medications, biological agents, and sometimes surgical intervention.
- Prognosis: IBS, though chronic, doesn't escalate to severe complications or increase the risk of colorectal cancer, as opposed to IBD, which carries the potential for complications like strictures, fistulas, and increased cancer risk.
According to the Iranian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IBS is more common in IBD patients who are in remission from their illness if there are problems with immune system downregulation.
Bottomline
Dr Shah concluded, “Differentiating between IBS and IBD requires a comprehensive understanding of their clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and underlying pathophysiology. While both conditions present challenges in diagnosis and management, a precise and thorough evaluation guided by a healthcare professional is essential for appropriate care.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert for a treatment approach tailored to your needs and medical history.]