“You need to manage the pressures you face and not let them affect your health,”
“I can relate to how you’re feeling, as I have experienced similar symptoms,”
“Consider trying herbal remedies to soothe your colon,”
“It’s called irritable bowel syndrome, and managing your emotions is key to preventing colon irritation.”
She received numerous pieces of advice from loved ones and friends, some of which were accurate, while others were exaggerated. She would smile and nod, agreeing with them, but deep down she wished they understood the reality of her condition.
What sets apart inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome?
There are two distinct gastrointestinal disorders: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Definition: A disease causing destructive inflammation to the intestine.
Occurrence:
- Less common
- Possibly life threatening
Types:
Has two major types:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
Diagnosis: Endoscopies show inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
Symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Frequent/urgent bowel movements
- Fever and weight loss
Complications:
May affect:
- inside the gut (ex: colon cancer)
- outside the gut (ex: arthritis)
Treatments:
- Medications (ex: steroids, biologics, immunomodulators)
- Surgery
- Diet therapies (ex: Specific Carbohydrate diet, IBD Anti-inflammatory diet, Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet…etc.)
Aim:
To manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Definition: A syndrome causing disturbance in bowel function.
Occurrence:
- More common (10-15% worldwide)
- Not life threatening
Types:
- IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant)
- IBS-C (Constipation-predominant)
- IBS-M (Mixed diarrhea & constipation)
- IBS-U (Unspecified)
Diagnosis: Endoscopies appear normal.
Symptoms:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Mucus in stool
Complications:
May cause hemorrhoids as a result of chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Treatments:
- Medications (ex: antibiotics)
- Herbal remedies
- Psychological therapies (cognitive behavior therapy or gut-directed hypnotherapy) ⁃ Diet therapy (ex: Low FODMAP)
Aim:
To relieve symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Both
- Chronic relapsing remitting conditions
- Unknown causes, but likely to be multifactorial
- Impact quality of life
- Patients experience abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and oftentimes mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
- Manageable but not curable
- Need tailored dietary interventions & lifestyle changes
Note: It is important to consult with your doctor and a dietitian specialized in IBD/IBS to accurately assess your medical needs and determine the necessary treatment and appropriate dietary therapy.
References:
- Saeed S, Ekhator C, Abdelaziz AM, Naveed H, Karski A, Cook DE, Reddy SM, Affaf M, Khan SJ, Bellegarde SB, Rehman A, Hasan AH, Shehryar A. Revolutionizing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Innovative Dietary Strategies and Future Directions. Cureus. 2023 Aug 29;15(8):e44304. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44304.
- https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ibd-and-IBS-brochure final.pdf
- Więcek M, Panufnik P, Kaniewska M, Lewandowski K, Rydzewska G. Low-FODMAP Diet for the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Remission of IBD. Nutrients. 2022; 14(21):4562.
