Symptoms of IBS and IBD

Many intestinal disorders have similar symptoms, which can impede the diagnostic process. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (which includes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and is collectively known as IBD) in particular have several symptoms in common.

IBS is often confused with ulcerative colitis or colitis, but there are differences. IBS is a syndrome, not a disease, and it will not lead to colon cancer nor does it cause intestinal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis, however, is a disease, can put patients at risk for colon cancer, and bleeding is a common symptom.

The differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can also be difficult to ascertain just from a patient's symptoms - a colonoscopy or other tests may be necessary. Ulcerative colitis affects only the inner lining of the colon while Crohn's disease can inflame all the layers of the intestinal wall. Crohn's disease can involve any organ in the digestive tract while ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and rectum.

A proper diagnosis can be critical when considering a treatment plan. Even though they are categorized together as forms of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have very different treatments. Therapy and medications for IBS vary hugely from those for ulcerative colitis. An incorrect diagnosis and treatment plan can not only be ineffective but in some cases also be dangerous.

The tables below are by no means a complete or hard and fast list of symptoms, but do give a general idea of the distinguishing factors between IBS and IBD.