Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are conditions that affect the gastrointestinal, or GI system, and in turn, the whole body, but there is a difference between the two.

What’s the difference between IBS and IBD?

Although IBS and IBD are similar in that they both cause bowel symptoms, IBS is a syndrome, which means it is a group of symptoms, it does not cause inflammation and usually does not lead to hospitalization or surgery. IBD is a disease characterized by inflammation and can lead to permanent damage to the intestines.

• IBS symptoms include changes to bowel movements, abdominal bloating, stomach pain and constipation. Usually, women experience more IBS than men.
• IBD causes inflammation in the intestines. IBD also refers to two different diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. People with IBD may also have GI-related symptoms such as diarrhea, but symptoms may be more severe, such as having blood in the stool or weight loss. IBD typically affects equal numbers of men and women.

IBS and older adults

Older adults may be more susceptible to IBS, among other gut problems, because as we age, the microbiome in the intestinal tract can change. The microbiome is an ecosystem of microbes, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which live in the intestines, among other areas of the body. Studies are showing that the microbiome in a person’s intestines can have a great influence on their health.

What causes IBS?

The specific cause of IBS is still mostly unknown. IBS is considered a disorder of the gut-brain interaction, which means the gut and brain are not cooperating correctly to help the digestive system work. Because of this, it is thought that IBS symptoms may be caused by a wide array of things such as foods, stress, hormones and medications. IBS also has a genetic component, so if you have family members with IBS, you may be more prone to it.

What causes IBD?

IBD is caused by an autoimmune-like reaction when the body starts attacking the cells in the GI tract. While the exact reason for IBD is not well understood, it may have to do with genes and certain mutations in those genes. IBD may also be triggered by medications, stress, or smoking.

What kind of doctor should I go to for IBS treatment?

If you are having GI-related symptoms consistently and are wondering if you have IBS or IBD, see your primary care provider first. He or she will help you or may recommend a gastroenterologist. This is a doctor who specializes in the GI tract and can help you with diagnosis, treatment, and next steps.

How are IBS and IBD diagnosed?

IBS and IBD are typically diagnosed with questionnaires about symptoms and patterns, through lab tests and with imaging tests. The first step is for a provider to understand your symptoms and investigate what may be causing irritability. From there, lab tests may be ordered to look for intolerances or infections. Lastly, imaging tests may be used to look at your bowels to pinpoint the problem.

What diet should I follow for IBS or IBD?

While dietary patterns and changes should be personalized and practiced under the supervision of a dietitian, some dietary changes can be helpful for IBS and IBD. For IBS, some people find relief from limiting what are called “FODMAPs”. These are fermentable carbs found in certain foods.

While offending foods will vary from person to person, a low-FODMAP diet will require you to limit foods like milk, ice cream, apples, pears, blackberries, artichokes, wheat, chickpeas, broccoli, cabbage, lentils, soybeans, gum, and candy.

For IBD, there is not one specific diet or food that is helpful for management. Diet modifications can be made based on foods that worsen symptoms. Some people find relief by limiting high-fiber foods, caffeine, sweets, and alcohol. Switching to eating smaller meals more often may also help reduce symptoms associated with IBD.

How are IBS and IBD treated?

IBS symptoms may be treated with:

• Dietary changes, such as omitting foods that cause symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes like adding exercise and relaxation techniques
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Medications

IBD is treated with medications and/or surgeries if needed. There is no specific cure for IBS or IBD, but IBD can go into remission.

Overall, both IBS and IBD are serious conditions that can affect your quality of life and overall health. If you have concerns about y

our GI health, your first step is to see your doctor.

Bibliography

1. 7 signs it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. (n.d.). https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2022/feb/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-gastroenterologist/
2. Clinic, C. (2025, February 7). The best and worst foods for IBS. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/take-control-of-ibs-with-low-fodmap-diet
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Overview). (2025, March 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15587-inflammatory-bowel-disease-overview
4. Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS). (2025, March 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
5. UCSF Health. (2024, May 21). Nutrition tips for inflammatory bowel disease. ucsfhealth.org. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/nutrition-tips-for-inflammatory-bowel-disease
6. What’s the difference between IBS and IBD? (n.d.). https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/is-it-ibs-or-ibd.html
7. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/what-is-ibd/ibs-vs-ibd
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35105664/