How to tell the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
These conditions are often confused. Early intervention for IBD is important. So let’s look at the red flag signs and symptoms that set them apart.
IBS is a non-inflammatory digestive problem with abdominal discomfort and changes in the bowel movements. Bloating is a very common part of IBS and it is a common condition.
Stress can trigger IBS, or a gastro bug and even for no obvious reason. Those with IBS often find they have periods where it doesn’t bother them much at all followed by periods of up to four weeks where it flares up again.
This can be somewhat similar to the experiences of those with IBD, but there are some clear differences. Let’s take a look at them.
IBD includes two main conditions, both inflammatory in nature: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Similar to IBS, people with IBD can suffer abdominal pain or discomfort and diarrhoea.
The important red flags to look out for are:
At this time there are no cures for Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Both IBD conditions may have underlynig genetic or environmental causes but the real reason why they develop is poorly understood.
With IBD or if you suspect IBD it is very important to see your GP straight away. The good news is that there are a variety of effective treatments to manage it. Many people may be able to get the disease under control with very few symptoms, able to live relatively normal lives.
With IBS, acupuncture has been shown to be really quite good at relieving symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bowel movements, and improving quality of life. To find out more about how acupuncture can help with IBS click here. With IBD, western medical intervention is important. However, if you still wish to pursue alternative care, acupuncture may be able to assist with reducing certain symptoms similar to IBS.
Delays in IBD diagnosis may lead to advanced complications, possibly even surgery in severe cases. So if the red flags listed above sound familiar, please see your General Practitioner to discuss your case.
IBD can occur in young people between the age of 15 and 40 years old and is becoming more common, so talking to a GP is not something to put off.
They can arrange the relevant tests and if necessary, refer you to a specialist.
One non-invasive test to distinguish between IBS and IBD is the faecal-calprotectin test.
FYI: There’s a day for that – May 19th is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day: to find out more about IBD symptoms https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/
For IBS related symptoms, acupuncture has shown a lot of promise in scientific research. At Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast in Burleigh Waters, Queensland, we understand that every person’s experience with IBS is unique. Our experienced acupuncturist, Dr Baker, provides personalised care and support, tailoring treatment plans to address individual symptoms and concerns.
We combine acupuncture with other traditional Chinese medicine modalities, such as dietary recommendations, herbal formulas and lifestyle adjustments, to offer a comprehensive approach to managing IBS. Our goal is to empower IBS sufferers in our community to regain control of their digestive health, improve IBS symptoms, and enhance their overall well-being.
Acupuncture presents a natural and empowering treatment option for those near Burleigh Waters, Queensland, who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Click HERE to read more about acupuncture for IBS.
You can reach Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast on 07 5522 1691 or at 7a/2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters. We are located near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings and have plenty of off street parking.
Sources:
– Zhu, L., Ma, Y., Ye, Y., & Tian, Y. (2018). Efficacy of acupuncture on IBS: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 311-324.
– Zheng, H., Chen, M., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Wei, S., & Zhou, S. (2019). The effect of acupuncture on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
– Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
– Evidence Based Acupuncture www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org