The blog post will be about the differences between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are usually seen as opposites. The first is thought to be a common illness of the body, and the second is thought to be a mood-related digestive disorder. In this article, we'll review recent studies' results that point to a common set of causes.
Recent research has shown that genetic, microbial, epithelial, and immunological factors are important in developing inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Evidence of abnormal microbiota and how it affects host functions, the discovery of low-grade inflammation in subgroups of IBS patients, and the development of IBS symptoms in patients with IBD in remission are all examples of how these parts of the two illnesses overlap.
While there is considerable overlap in the mechanisms that cause inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, these illnesses are nonetheless considered distinct. Incorporating a functional perspective for some forms of IBD and an organic perspective for some IBS patients might enhance both research and clinical therapy.
Symptoms of IBS and IBD
Diseases of the digestive tract impact the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a combination of symptoms that persist over time. However, IBD describes intestinal inflammation or persistent swelling.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when you go back and forth between diarrhea and constipation or have bouts of both. Managing symptoms can be challenging because they vary from person to person and might shift over time.
IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to the intestines, and it doesn't make you more likely to get inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal hemorrhage, other GI disorders, or cancer. Yet it has the potential to compromise your standard of living seriously. Some people with IBS have said they would give up sex, coffee, and internet use to relieve their symptoms.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two examples of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal system is a common side effect of both. Rectal bleeding, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramping, pain, decreased appetite, unintentional weight loss, and weariness can all result from these problems.
Who Gets Affected by IBS or IBD?
Between 25 and 45 million people in the United States suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Women are more likely to be affected, but people of any age, including children, are not immune.
Meanwhile, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects over 1.6 million people in the United States. Both sexes are equally at risk for developing this chronic illness, which strikes more Caucasians than any other race.
How Are IBD and IBS Treated?
Several treatments are already available, and many others that show promise are in the research phase. Patients with IBS should be honest with their doctors and caretakers about their chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
Biologics, which are drug therapies made from live organisms and assist in restoring the body's ability to fight disease, are used to manage and prevent IBD flare-ups.
You may need surgery if your IBD symptoms aren't managed by medicine. Most of the time, the damaged part of the bowel is taken out during surgery. However, a total colon or rectum resection may be needed in extreme cases.
The Bottom Line
Patients with IBD may require surgery to repair their digestive tract, but those with IBS typically do not. The symptoms of IBS can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications for diarrhea and constipation, respectively. Among these are antispasmodics, antidepressants, and laxatives.
Acupuncture, hypnosis, and relaxation training are a few other options that may be helpful. The potential benefits of probiotics for treating irritable bowel syndrome are also being investigated.
If you're finding that your disease is causing you stress or withdrawing from activities you previously enjoyed due to concerns about how you look, counseling may be beneficial.