IBS vs IBD: What’s the Difference?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are both conditions affecting the digestive system, but they differ significantly in causes, symptoms, impact, and treatment. IBS is a functional disorder affecting bowel habits without causing structural damage, while IBD is an inflammatory condition that can lead to serious complications.

This article provides a clear side-by-side comparison to help you understand their differences.

IBS vs IBD: Key Differences

Symptoms

IBS: Symptoms include bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. Abdominal pain is often relieved after passing stool, and symptoms can fluctuate over time. IBS does not cause blood in the stool, fever, or long-term digestive damage.

IBD: Symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Unlike IBS, IBD can cause fever, joint pain, and eye inflammation due to its systemic inflammatory nature. Symptoms can worsen over time and lead to complications.

Causes

IBS: IBS is linked to gut-brain interaction issues, food intolerances, stress, and abnormal gut motility. IBS does not involve immune system dysfunction or inflammation.

IBD: IBD is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the gut lining, leading to chronic inflammation. Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and gut bacteria imbalances may contribute to its development.

Impact on the Digestive Tract

IBS: IBS does not cause visible damage to the intestines. It affects bowel function but does not lead to ulcers, strictures, or long-term digestive complications.

IBD: IBD causes chronic inflammation, which can lead to ulcers, scarring, narrowing of the intestines (strictures), and fistulas (abnormal connections between the intestines and other organs).

Associated Conditions

IBS: Commonly associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and anxiety disorders due to its link with gut-brain interaction.

IBD: May be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammation can also affect the eyes, skin, and joints.

Diagnosis

IBS: Diagnosis is based on symptom patterns and the exclusion of other conditions. Stool tests, blood tests, and a colonoscopy may be conducted, but these tests typically show no abnormalities.

IBD: Diagnosis involves blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. Unlike IBS, these tests may reveal inflammation, ulcers, or structural damage in the digestive tract.

Treatment

IBS: Treatment focuses on symptom management through dietary adjustments (e.g., low FODMAP diet), stress reduction, probiotics, and medications such as antispasmodics or laxatives. IBS does not require anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing drugs.

IBD: Treatment aims to control inflammation using medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged sections of the intestine. Unlike IBS, IBD requires long-term medical management.

Long-Term Outlook

IBS: Symptoms fluctuate and may persist for years, but IBS does not cause permanent damage to the digestive tract or increase the risk of serious complications.

IBD: IBD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical management. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as bowel obstruction, fistulas, or an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Risk of Colorectal Cancer

IBS: IBS does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

IBD: IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis, increases the risk of colorectal cancer over time due to chronic inflammation. Regular monitoring is recommended for patients with long-standing IBD.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience persistent digestive symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Warning signs that require attention include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe or persistent abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks. Additionally, if your symptoms do not improve despite dietary or lifestyle changes, consulting a doctor can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate management.

Conclusion

IBS and IBD share some symptoms, but they are fundamentally different conditions. IBS affects bowel function without causing structural damage, whereas IBD involves chronic inflammation that requires medical treatment. Recognising the differences can help you seek appropriate care.

Schedule a consultation today with an IBS specialist in Singapore to discuss your symptoms and find the right approach for you.