Whats the difference between IBD and IBS?

[Venny0492]

Whats the difference between IBD and IBS?

 

[archie]

IBD actually causes functional damage to the bowel wall IBS doesn't. Actual symptoms can be similar eg diarrhea / constipation etc but IBD is more serious due to the organic damage to the intestines. IBD causes inflammation, ulcers, thickening of the tissue which can cause strictures, fistulas etc IBS won't physically change the tissue. Thats a very simplistic overview and I'm sure someone will describe it better!!

 

[Astra]

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/ibs/a/diffibsibd.htm

source - CCFA

 

[Venny0492]

IBD actually causes functional damage to the bowel wall IBS doesn't. Actual symptoms can be similar eg diarrhea / constipation etc but IBD is more serious due to the organic damage to the intestines. IBD causes inflammation, ulcers, thickening of the tissue which can cause strictures, fistulas etc IBS won't physically change the tissue. Thats a very simplistic overview and I'm sure someone will describe it better!!

seems straight forward and explains the main bits

 

[archie]

I didn't mention medication though, IBD can be managed and treated with an array of different meds eg steroids biologies immune suppressants etc which wouldn't be used with IBS, also IBD can cause blood in your stools and weight loss again IBS won't. Hope this is of some help