Inflammatory Bowel Disease vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
People often confuse inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You may even see the terms used interchangeably. The symptoms can be the same and sometimes people with IBD are misdiagnosed as having IBS. Although the two may seem very similar, it is important to understand that they are actually two very different conditions with different effects on your body. IBD can be a very damaging condition, causing permanent harm to your body and even death.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In IBS the colon spasms or it contracts too often. The symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloated feeling
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
IBS is painful and can be debilitating. During bouts of diarrhea, there is a health danger from dehydration. IBS does not cause damage to your colon or other internal organs, and is not a generally a life-threatening condition. IBS is common in people with autoimmune conditions such as Lupus and fibromyalgia.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In IBD involves inflammation of the digestive tract. This inflammation can progress to ulcers, fissures, abscesses, and permanent damage. IBD can have any or all of the symptoms of IBS plus:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Anemia
- Weight loss
How to Tell the Two Apart
It can be difficult or impossible to tell the two apart by symptoms alone. People with IBD may only experience the symptoms of IBS, especially in the early stages. If you have symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, fever, anemia, or significant weight loss, you should talk to your doctor right away about IBD testing.
IBD causes changes in the tissues in your digestive system, while IBS does not.
Why the Difference is So Important
IBD can cause permanent damage to your digestive tract, and can be life-threatening. Flare-ups must be prevented or controlled to prevent this damage. If left uncontrolled, you could wind up having parts of your digestive tract removed. The complications of IBD include nutritional deficiencies and extreme weight loss. One potential complication of ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD, is colon rupture which can be fatal.
IBS does not carry these dangers, but it can have a significant impact on your life, preventing you from participating in normal activities or even holding a job.
Talk to Your Doctor
Studies have indicated that people with IBS often develop IBD. However, it is uncertain whether this is caused by a progression from IBS to IBD or if it is really the result of an initial misdiagnosis.
IBD has been associated with Accutane use. If you have the symptoms of IBS or have been diagnosed with IBS, but not tested for IBD and you have taken Accutane, please talk to your doctor about IBD testing.
If you or your loved one has suffered Accutane side effects such as IBD, you may be entitled to compensation. We urge you to contact an experienced Accutane lawyer as soon as you can. There may be time limits by which you must commence suit. Please contact an experienced Accutane lawyer in your area for more information.
