Gastrointestinal diseases have many overlapping symptoms. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) namely, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two illnesses that effect the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Both can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements; however, they are not the same. While there are many similarities between IBD and IBS, it is important to highlight the differences. A fecal calprotectin test is often used as a non-invasive test to differentiate between IBD and IBS.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation provides an up-to-date Inflammatory Bowel Disease vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome brochure. It is an excellent resource for both IBD and IBS patients which highlights these differences.
>> https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ibd-and-IBS-brochure-final.pdf
The link has been graciously provided by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Last updated on Jan 12, 2021