About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is fairly common, with anywhere from 25-45 million Americans suffering from it. The basic cause isnt understood, but you suffer symptoms because your colon muscle contracts more readily than normal. Triggers for IBS include certain foods, stress, hormones, or other illnesses.
Symptoms of IBS may involve:
- Excess gas
- Harder or looser bowel movements than normal
- Pain or cramps in the abdomen, usually in the lower half
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
Rectal bleeding and black stool is not a symptom of IBS. You should seek immediate evaluation at our office if you experience possible blood in your stool.
Rest assured that IBS does not raise your risk of developing other serious issues of the digestive system, including colitis, Crohns disease, or cancer.
Epidemiology Of Ibs And Ibdboth On The Rise In Asia
The incidence of CD in the world ranges from 5.0 to 10.7 per 100,000 person-years, while the incidence of UC ranges from 6.3 to 24.3 per 100,000 person-years. The marked variations are due to geographical localities, with Asia tending to show the lowest incidence rate, as compared to predominantly UC in Europe, and CD in North America. Even in Asia, with its large geographical area, there is variation in the annual incidence rate from 0.1 to 6.3 per 100,000 population for UC and 0.04 to 5.0 per 100,000 population for CD.
Gender differences were reportedly equal in large population-based studies, although some contested a higher male preponderance for IBD in Asia., The highest incidence ages of diagnosis were recorded in the second to fourth decades, therefore implicating the most productive age group, with socioeconomic impact in terms of hours off work and impaired productivity.
IBS in Asia shows a prevalence rate of 2.9% to 15.6%, with no predilection for the traditionally female gender.,, The prevalence rate is highly dependent on the utilization of Manning or Rome-based criteria, and to a lesser extent on the geographical distribution. Age distribution still involves younger individuals in their early 20’s, comparable to Western studies.
However, for both IBS and IBD, the prevalence and annual incidence has shown a consistently increasing trend in Asia which is in keeping with a worldwide trend.
How Can I Prevent Inflammatory Bowel Disease
While there isnt anything you can do to prevent IBD, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may control the symptoms. You can:
- Eat smaller meals every two to four hours.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, movement like tai chi, listening to music or going for a walk.
- Get plenty of sleep and stay physically active.
- Keep a food diary to identify foods that trigger IBD flares. You may find you have a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance. If so, your body has a harder time digesting certain foods, which causes stomach upset.
- Reduce foods that irritate the intestines, such as those that are fibrous, spicy, greasy or made with milk. During flares, choose soft, bland foods that are less inflammatory.
- Cut back on caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
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What Is Inflamatory Bowel Disease
Two illnesses classified as IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohnes disease. Caucasians are more likely to be diagnosed with IBD than people of other races. IBD is most common in Jewish people who are of European descent. Upper class women who live in cities have a higher likelihood of contracting IBD.
Crohnes disease can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine. Diagnosis between the two conditions can be challenging because the symptoms are similar. Physical changes within the gastrointestinal tract are visible when imaging studies are performed.
IBD is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Rather than protecting your body, your immune system misidentifies proteins in your body as invaders and attacks your own tissues.
Signs of IBD include diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramping. An urgency to defecate may occur. You may sense pressure in your rectum and feel like you have not fully evacuated your bowels after you defecate.
You may also experience symptoms throughout your whole body. Your appetite may be poor and you may lose weight. You may experience night sweats and fevers, and anemia and bleeding may occur. If you are a female, you may have irregular menses or no menstrual period at all. Because of the nutritional imbalances and debilitating effects throughout your body, you may feel very tired.
Ibd Vs Ibs: The Major Differences
Perhaps the biggest difference between IBD and IBS is that IBD is classified as a medical condition, while IBS is not. Part of the reason for this is that IBS symptoms often arent detectable through imaging tests like IBD symptoms are. Also, many practitioners disagree about the symptomatic criteria of IBS, which makes it difficult to establish a diagnostic criteria.
Unlike IBD, IBS isnt known to cause permanent damage to the digestive tract. However, that doesnt mean IBS isnt a bona fide condition. People who struggle with IBS deal with real pain and real symptoms.
Because the conditions are different, so are the treatments. If you have either condition, treatment can vary depending on the severity. Dr. Shine may discuss your family, personal, and medical history. She may also order testing. Depending on your case, treatment may involve medication or even surgery. No matter what youre going through, Dr. Shine will work to get to the root of your problem and put you on the path to health.
If you think you may be struggling with IBS or IBD, Dr. Shine can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Shine Health and Wellness today.
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If You Think You Have Ibd Or Ibs
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms if you think you have IBD or IBS. The only way to truly find out if you have one of these conditions is to undergo a medical exam and imaging tests. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, if your symptoms are severe.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Ibd Vs Ibs: Understanding Different Gastrointestinal Conditions
Contents
Although there are many distinctions between the two, one key differentiator is that IBD involves swelling of the intestines, whereas IBS does not. These conditions require very different treatments, and as such, an accurate diagnosis is vital to ensure proper management.âRead on to learn more about IBD and how it differs from IBS.â
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Shivan Sarna Interviews Guest Expert Dr Gary Weiner On The Topic Of Ibs Ibd And Sibo
If youre having digestive problems, you have enough to deal with without having to keep a bunch of acronyms straight.
But if you go visit your doctor or do some research on your own youll find a LOT of acronyms and three of them more than any others: IBS, IBD, and SIBO.
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and SIBO for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.
Today, I want to teach you not just what each of these important acronyms means, but what the difference between each is and, most importantly, how they are all related.
Understanding the link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth can help you get the right treatment the first time.
If your doctor has told you or someone you love that you have any of these conditions , keep reading.
Signs & Symptoms Of Ibs
Irritable bowel syndrome is defined as a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. While the functional changes associated with the syndrome are unclear and the exact cause is uncertain, there are many theories that can guide symptom management.
IBS symptoms can range from mild and easily manageable all the way to debilitating and out of control. This syndrome can also significantly impact quality of life. The range of symptoms may cause some confusion however, there is a pattern to IBS symptoms. Symptoms typically occur during stress or following a large meal. One of the features that sets IBS apart from IBD is that it does not lead to inflammation and there is no long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract with IBS.
Possible symptoms may include:
- Frequent urgency to have a bowel movement
- Nausea
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Why Ibs & Ibd Arent Totally Same Or Different
You might be thinking that it sounds like IBS and IBD are totally different. You either have IBS or you have IBD.
But that actually isnt all true.
In fact, according to naturopathic physician Dr. Gary Weiner, IBS and IBD are more likely two different ends of the same continuum.
Both IBS and IBD have overlapping features. And even more importantly: the same person can have both IBS and IBD.
This can be confusing for both people with IBS and IBD and for their doctors. They might wonder why treatments dont seem to be working or why some symptoms went away and others didnt.
While IBS and IBD can cause similar symptoms, the treatment needed for each can be totally different in some cases thats why figuring out which symptoms are part of IBD and which are caused by IBS is a crucial step in the healing process.
What’s The Difference Between Ibs And Ibd
In some respects, IBS and IBD are easy conditions to confuse. On top of having similar sounding names, the two have many similar symptoms sufferers may experience abdominal pain, cramps, constipation and diarrhoea as well as feeling generally unwell.
That said, the conditions are quite distinct, with different causes and different treatments. This means if you’re experiencing bowel problems, it’s important to see a medical professional who can give you a definitive diagnosis.
18-Jan-18·4 mins read
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What Are The Causes Of Ibd And Ibs
The exact causes of both IBD and IBS are not clear. With IBD, your genes play a strong role, and it runs in families. There are also many other things that can contribute, such as certain foods, smoking , and missing medication doses. With IBS, many factors are thought to be involved, but stress and diet play a big role. Sometimes people develop IBS after infections as well.
How Is Ibd Diagnosed
To diagnose IBD, the gastroenterologist may check both blood and stool tests to look for elevations in inflammatory markers. Anemia or iron deficiency is also common in IBD and would likely not be present in IBS. To confirm an IBD diagnosis, further investigation with an endoscopy and imaging with an MRI or CT may be needed. The gastroenterologist will look for signs of bleeding or ulcerations with an endoscopy and imaging can show if there is inflammation in the bowel.
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Symptoms Versus Inflammation Mismatch
Inherently, IBD is an organic disease, as evidenced by mucosal inflammation, whereas IBS lies more in the spectrum of a functional disorder, with no evidence of organic disease. IBS symptoms are nonspecific, and may precede diagnosis of both IBS and IBD by many years. Lack of mucosal inflammation results in a mismatch compared to the severity of the reported symptoms.
In IBD, mucosal inflammation is characteristic, but the symptoms do not necessarily correlate with endoscopic findings.
What Are Symptoms Of Ibd
Symptoms of IBD can range depending on the severity of disease as well as the location of the disease. Symptoms of IBD may become more silent in times of remission. However, when IBD is active or in a flare up state symptoms can vary significantly in severity and duration. Ulcerative colitis is described as disease activity is limited to the colon compared to Crohns disease which is throughout the digestive tract. However, it is incorrect to assume that the effects of UC are less severe or just in the colon. In fact both have effects throughout the body such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Other complications: Erythema nodosum, Fistulas, Strictures, Osteoporosis, Blood clotting , Eye inflammation, Mouth ulcers
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Diagnosing Ibd And Ibs
One of the major differences between these two conditions is that IBD shows clinical signs of disease when patients undergo an exam and imaging, while IBS does not show signs of distress in the digestive tract. That’s a big part of the reason that IBS is classified as a syndrome and not a disease.
Doctors diagnose IBD through a series of tests and images, including colonoscopies and endoscopies, to check for inflammation in your esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The specific tests a patient undergoes may depend on their symptoms and medical history. Doctors also use x-rays, computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging to get visuals of any inflammation in your digestive tract.
For IBS, on the other hand, there is no specific testing procedure to get a diagnosis. Doctors usually diagnose IBS through a series of questions about your symptoms and take into account your health and medical history. Keep in mind that IBS is somewhat a diagnosis of exclusion, so your doctor may recommend tests or imaging to rule out other, potentially more dangerous, conditions that share symptoms with IBS.
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Proposed Cause Of Ibs
Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, many theories exist for potential causes. One of the theories is the gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to gas and bloating. It is also thought that some are sensitive to changes in the bacteria in the gut, also known as the microbiome.
Studies have shown that it is common to have an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine in patients with IBS. Although there is a link between the overgrowth of bacteria and IBS symptoms, it may not be the only explanation for these symptoms.
Another theory relates to changes in levels of a chemical in the body called serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for regulating social behavior and mood however, it also plays a role in motility also known as movements or contractions of the gastrointestinal tract and the sensation of needing to go to the bathroom.
Evidence also suggests a link between viral gastrointestinal infections and IBS. In fact, around one in every ten people with IBS suspect their IBS started after having an infectious illness. Lastly, stress has not been found to be a cause of IBS however, it seems as though stress can aggravate IBS symptoms.
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What Are Symptoms Of Ibs
Irritable bowel syndrome can vary in intensity from mild to severe when it comes to symptoms. Symptoms can be increased by food intolerances, hormones, medications, inadequate intake of plants, stress and more. IBS can cause irregular motility and nerve endings within the colon tend to be more sensitive or irritable as the name indicates. The sensitivity of the nerve endings can cause them to be more active or triggered.
- Gas
- Occasionally mucus in the stool or nausea
Key Features Of Ibd And Ibs
IBD and IBS are distinctly different conditions. Still, a person who has been diagnosed with one may display symptoms of the other.
Its also important to know that you can have both conditions at the same time. Both are considered chronic conditions.
Read on to learn what distinguishes IBD and IBS.
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Ibd Vs Ibs: Similarities
Though IBD and IBS have many distinctions, they do share some similarities. Some symptoms overlap, for example: People with IBD and IBS may both experience abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Both conditions can also make people feel like they urgently need to use the restroom, even if they actually don’t.
Stress is also known to aggravate the symptoms of both IBD and IBS, so either condition can benefit from practicing stress-reduction techniques. Dietary changes may also help people with IBD and IBS, though specific dietary recommendations differ.
If you have either condition, you should work with your doctor, a gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders to find a diet and treatment plan that helps quiet your symptoms.
Working with a doctor or dietitian on your diet can help with IBS or IBD symptoms.
Does The Same Problem Cause Ibd And Ibs
Researchers and doctors do not know the exact causes of IBD or IBS. Stress and eating certain foods do not cause either bowel problem, but both can trigger symptoms of each disease or make them worse.
The possible causes of inflammatory bowel disease, for example, Crohns disease and UC include:
- Immune system over-reaction
The possible causes of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- Brain-gut signal problems
There are two relatively new blood tests that may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome mixed . These tests are for anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies that are thought to develop in some patients after an acute bout of gastroenteritis caused by several different, common types of bacteria. The tests may only be able to identify a subset of patients with IBS, those with post-infectious IBS. It may also be able to distinguish those who have IBS from patients with IBD. The tests have not undergone rigorous testing, and FDA has not approved them.
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