Edit Content

Ask The Doc: What’s The Difference Between IBS And IBD?

Question: What’s the difference between IBS and Crohn’s Disease? Could I have both?

Answer: While both of these conditions seem to have similar symptoms, they are in fact different, and, yes, it is possible for someone to have both at the same time. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two:

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that affects parts of the digestive tract. Symptoms often include diarrhea, a frequent need to move your bowels, stomach pain, and bloating (all symptoms of IBS). However, with Crohn’s disease, patients also may notice things like vomiting, tiredness, weight loss, fever, or even bleeding.  It’s not certain what causes Crohn’s disease, but most experts believe it is an abnormality in the immune system that can trigger the condition. Chron’s disease is also more common in those with a family history of the disease.

IBS (also called “spastic colon”) carries similar symptoms to Crohn’s disease – cue the diarrhea, frequent trips to the bathroom, and stomach pain.  However, treatment for Crohn’s disease and IBS are different so it pays to be examined for both so that you understand what is causing your symptoms and you can treat it appropriately.  Testing for both conditions can be done with a physical exam, blood test, and usually a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopy procedure.

If you experience any symptoms related to IBS or Crohn’s disease, make an appointment with your doctor today to get tested.

Are you an expert in incontinence care? Would you like to join the NAFC expert panel? Contact us!

Comments

One Response

  1. I have had six children & also radiation for endometrial carsonomer of the uterous. Could that be reason for incontinence of bowel? I am now 80 yrs. young.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Click here for more about our Trusted Partners, including special offers on products and services.

Related Articles

caregiver helping her mother walk across the room.

The Biggest Challenges Faced By Caregivers

Caregivers face many challenges when they choose to take on the care of a loved one. Learn about the physical, mental, and financial strains a caregiver may experience and ways to overcome them.

Know The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Common Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The Most Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men in the United States. Early

caregiver helping her mother walk across the room.

The Biggest Challenges Faced By Caregivers

Caregivers face many challenges when they choose to take on the care of a loved one. Learn about the physical, mental, and financial strains a caregiver may experience and ways to overcome them.

en_USEnglish

We use cookies to collect and analyze information related to the use and performance of our website in order to provide functionalities related to social networks, and to adequately improve and personalize the content and advertising on our website. More information