IBD vs. IBS: Compare causes, symptoms, treatments, & more

Creator: SingleCare
Published: 2020-12-11T12:47:54-05:00

IBS is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder in the U.S. IBD is less common and affects only 1.3% of adults in the United Staes.

By SingleCare Team | Updated on Aug. 14, 2023 Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two different digestive health problems that people often mix up. IBD is a disease that causes the digestive system to become inflamed. IBS is a functional disorder that causes specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Knowing the difference between the two is essential to diagnosis and treatment. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the difference between IBS vs. IBD.

Causes

IBD

Multiple inflammatory conditions of the digestive system fall under the category of “inflammatory bowel disease.” The most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact cause of IBD isn’t known, but doctors and researchers believe that it may be triggered when the immune system perceives food, bacteria, and substances in the intestinal tract as a threat. In response to these “threats,” the immune system causes inflammation.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, small intestine, and colon. Researchers believe that the cause of IBS is a disturbance between the brain and the gut. People with IBS might have colon muscles that don’t function the way they should, and the nerves that control the muscles of their gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) may be unusually active. Stress, certain foods, certain medications, and hormonal changes can trigger IBS symptoms.

IBD vs. IBS causes
IBD	IBS
Immune system reacts to food, bacteria, or other substances in the intestinal tract as a threat Immune system creates an inflammatory response Triggered by certain foods or stress	Disturbance between the brain and gut Colon and gut muscles are overactive or don’t function properly Triggered by certain foods, medications, or hormonal changes like stress

Prevalence

IBD

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inflammatory bowel disease affects around 1.3% of adults in the United States. Research by Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America says that there are as many as 70,000 new IBD cases every year and that there may be as many as 80,000 children in the U.S. living with the disease. Most people are diagnosed with the disease between the ages of 15 and 35.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common condition that affects at least 10% to 15% of adults in America. It’s the most commonly diagnosed disorder by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders in the U.S. Globally, IBS affects about 11% of the population, but only 30% of people who experience symptoms will seek medical attention for them. Women are more likely to get IBS than men are.

IBD vs. IBS prevalence
IBD	IBS
Affects 1.3% of U.S. adults 70,000 new cases every year Affects as many as 80,000 children in the U.S. Most people diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35 More prevalent among women	Affects 10%-15% of U.S. adults Most common disorder in gastroenterology Affects 11% global population Most people diagnosed before the age of 35 More prevalent among women

Symptoms

IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease can cause mild to severe symptoms that will vary based on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, joint pain, and rectal bleeding are the most common symptoms of IBD.

IBS

The symptoms of IBS may come and go, and they often last for weeks or months at a time. IBS and IBD have similar symptoms, such as pain and cramping in the abdominal area, as well as urgent bowel movements, bloating, and gas.

IBD vs. IBS symptoms
IBD	IBS
Abdominal pain Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Bloating Constipation Gas Loss of appetite Weight loss Fatigue Joint pain Rectal bleeding	Abdominal pain Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Bloating Constipation Gas

Diagnosis

IBD

Several tests may be used to determine whether someone has IBD. Blood tests can detect inflammation, anemia, or infections. Stool samples can reveal hidden parasites or other signs of inflammation that may mimic IBD. Additionally, procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies allow physicians to check the intestines for chronic inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers. Sometimes X-rays or MRIs may be needed to rule out serious complications such as a perforated colon or rectum.

IBS

Diagnosing IBS can be difficult. Doctors will need to do a complete physical exam and ask patients for their medical history. There are no tests that can diagnose IBS, but some medical tests can help rule out other conditions. For example, a blood test can rule out Celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Stool samples may be used to look for bacteria or parasites. Sometimes doctors will do a colonoscopy to check for abnormal growths or inflamed tissue.

IBD vs. IBS diagnosis
IBD	IBS
Stool sample Blood tests Colonoscopy Upper endoscopy X-ray CT scan MRI Sigmoidoscopy Capsule endoscopy	Stool sample Blood tests for gluten or lactose intolerance Colonoscopy Upper endoscopy X-ray CT scan

Treatments

IBD

IBD treatment is largely focused on reducing pain and inflammation to improve the quality of life for people with the condition. Medications like pain relievers, biologics, and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation. Sometimes eating habits may need to be changed to avoid certain foods, including alcohol. For some people, surgery may be required to remove damaged portions of the digestive tract.

IBS

Treatment for IBS focuses on relieving uncomfortable symptoms. Many doctors will prescribe medications like Lotronex to relax the colon or Amitiza to increase fluid secretion in the small intestine. Anti-diarrheal medications or fiber supplements can also ease specific symptoms. Lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation that triggers IBS. Eliminating problem foods, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and avoiding large meals are all examples of lifestyle changes that people with IBS may need to make.

RELATED: Amitiza vs. Linzess

IBD vs. IBS treatments
IBD	IBS
Biologics Immunomodulators Corticosteroids Aminosalicylates Surgery Dietary and lifestyle changes Antidiarrheal medications Laxatives Antidepressants	Dietary and lifestyle changes Antidiarrheal medications Laxatives Antidepressants Antispasmodics Fiber supplements

Risk factors

IBD

Some people have a higher risk of getting IBD than others. Here are the top risk factors of IBD:

Smoking
Family history of IBD
Living in an urban area or industrialized country
Age younger than 35

IBS

The following groups of people have an increased risk of getting IBS:

Those with a family history of IBS
Women
Those with mental health conditions
People who are younger than 50

IBD vs. IBS risk factors
IBD	IBS
Smoking Family history of IBD Living in urban areas or industrialized countries Age	Female gender Family history of IBS Mental health conditions Age

Prevention

IBD

Nothing has been proven to be able to prevent IBD, but lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of flare-ups and potentially extend the amount of time between flare-ups. Drinking enough water, eating a wholesome diet, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, and avoiding triggering foods may be important things to consider if you’re at risk of getting IBD or if you already have it.

IBS

IBS can’t be prevented, according to the University of Michigan, but certain things can help ease symptoms and extend the amount of time between flare-ups. Avoiding foods that make symptoms worse, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking are at the top of the list of preventative measures. One study from the University of Gothenburg has shown that physical activity improves symptoms and is protective against symptom deterioration.

How to prevent IBD vs. IBS
IBD	IBS
Drink enough water Exercise regularly Eat a wholesome diet Avoid triggering foods Quit smoking	Drink enough water Exercise regularly Reduce stress Avoid triggering foods Quit smoking

When to see a doctor for IBD or IBS

People with IBD or IBS will be used to experiencing certain amounts of pain on a regular basis. It’s always a good idea to know when it’s okay to treat your symptoms at home and when it’s time to see a healthcare professional.

If you have IBD and are having severe abdominal pain that’s accompanied by vomiting or excessive bloating, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

If you have IBS and start to experience rectal bleeding, fevers, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Frequently asked questions about IBD and IBS

Can you have IBD and IBS at the same time?

Even though IBD and IBS are two different conditions, it’s possible to have them both at the same time. While most people will have one or the other, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America says that about 20% of people with IBD can have concurrent IBS symptoms.

Will surgery cure my IBD?

Surgery won’t cure IBD, but it can help relieve chronic symptoms. Removing 97% of the colon can drastically reduce symptoms for people with ulcerative colitis, according to the University of Michigan.

Can children get IBD or IBS?

Children can get IBD or IBS, but digestive diseases are more common among adults. Six percent of middle school students and 14% of high school students report symptoms similar to IBS, but their symptoms may be linked to social anxiety.