What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a common functional disorder of the intestines causing increased contractions or spasms of the colon or rectum. IBS has also been called spastic colon or spastic bowel. An examination of the colon shows no changes in appearance in a patient with IBS. The intestines in a patient with IBD, however, are inflamed or ulcerated. IBS does not cause inflammation, ulcers or other damage to the bowel. Instead, symptoms of IBS may include cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. In people with IBS, the colon is more sensitive and contracts more readily than it does in other people. IBS is believed to be caused from stress, trapped gas that causes bloating, hormonal changes, some medicines such as antibiotics, genetics, or from poor eating habits such as eating too fast.