IBS vs IBD: Understanding the Key Differences
Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) sound similar and share some symptoms, they are very different conditions that require distinct approaches to diagnosis and management.
Here’s how to tell them apart and why getting the right diagnosis matters.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Clinical Picture
IBS is a functional gut disorder — meaning it does not cause inflammation or damage to gut tissue. It is often described as a gut–brain interaction disorder, affecting how the gut and brain communicate.
Common symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both) [1]
Diagnosis
There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis is based on:
- Detailed medical history
- Excluding other possible causes
- Meeting the diagnostic criteria for IBS
Management
IBS is not life-threatening, but it can affect quality of life. Management usually involves:
- Dietary adjustments (e.g. low FODMAP approach)
- Lifestyle changes
- Stress management
Incidence in Ireland
IBS affects up to 1 in 5 people in Ireland and is more common in women than men [2]. It is generally not diagnosed in children.
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Clinical Picture
IBD refers to chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut that can cause tissue damage if left untreated. The two most common forms are:
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC) — affects only the large intestine
- Crohn’s Disease (CD) — can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to rectum [4]
Symptoms can overlap with IBS but are often more severe and may include:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Significant fatigue that affects your day to day life
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Colonoscopy or gastroscopy (OGD) to view affected areas
- Blood tests and stool samples to detect inflammation
- Identifying whether inflammation is continuous (UC) or patchy (CD)
Management
Treatment may include:
- Medication to reduce inflammation and maintain remission
- Surgery in certain cases
- Monitoring for complications such as strictures or obstructions
Incidence in Ireland
Around 40,000 people in Ireland live with UC or Crohn’s disease [2], affecting men and women equally. IBD can be diagnosed in both children and adults, though treatment pathways may differ.
If You Have Symptoms
If you experience persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or blood in your stool:
- Do not self-diagnose
- Visit your GP for assessment if needed
- Your doctor may order tests or refer you to a specialist
- Instead of waiting for a referral, get a video consultation with our CORU-registered dietitian for dietary management of gut health
Delays or misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and worsening symptoms.
At Webdoctor, you can:
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Book an online GP consultation for assessment and guidance
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Speak directly to a CORU-registered dietitian for personalised dietary advice on managing gut health — no referral, no waiting list
Take control of your gut health today with expert, convenient support.
References:
- The Rome Foundation (2021). Rome IV Criteria. [online] Rome Foundation. Available at: https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/.
- McNally et al. (2020) An IBS Pathway to Improve Patient Experience and Reduce Endoscopy Demand. Irish Medical Times. Vol 113; No. 8; P155. Available at: https://www.imj.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/An-IBS-Pathway-to-Improve-Patient-Experience-and-Reduce-Endoscopy-Demand.pdf
- Crohn’s Colitis Ireland Facts & Figures. Available at: https://crohnscolitis.ie/support/faq/category/ibd-facts-figures/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20prevalence%20and,to%20that%20diagnosed%20in%20adults.
- World Health Organization(WHO). (1993). The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders. World Health Organization.