IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Red Flags To Look For – Burleigh Waters, Gold Coast.

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:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Waking up in the middle of the night with pain or needing to go to the toilet urgently
  • Unexplained mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

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

Constipation Relief With Acupuncture

Find constipation relief that can be more effective than medication, with the powerful therapeutic effect of acupuncture.

For women who suffer from this uncomfortable condition, acupuncture treatment can offer significant relief and improve overall digestive health. In a study conducted by Zhang et al. in 2018, the benefits of acupuncture for constipation in women were explored, shedding light on its effectiveness over prescription medications.

At Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast in Burleigh Waters, we understand the unique challenges women face when it comes to their health, and we offer acupuncture treatments tailored to address constipation and promote overall well-being.

Constipation affects millions of women worldwide.

Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, poor diet, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. For women seeking a natural and holistic approach to alleviate constipation, acupuncture can be an effective option.

The study conducted by Zhang et al. in 2018 examined the effects of acupuncture on women suffering from constipation. The researchers found that acupuncture treatment significantly improved bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and overall quality of life. Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, promoting the smooth flow of energy (known as Qi) and activating the body’s natural healing response. By targeting the underlying imbalances contributing to constipation, acupuncture helps restore proper digestive function often with only 1 needle.

At Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast, we specialise in providing personalised acupuncture treatments that address not only constipation but also related issues such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and women’s health concerns. Our experienced acupuncturist Dr Baker understands the intricate connections between the body’s systems and work to restore balance and harmony. He diagnoses your body’s underlying imbalances using palpation of the abdomen, arms and legs. Then applying a treatment to correct the imbalance with immediate feedback from the body.

Don’t let constipation and digestive issues affect your quality of life. Experience the transformative power of acupuncture and its ability to promote optimal digestive function, relieve pain, reduce stress, and support women’s health.

In addition to relieving constipation, acupuncture offers a range of benefits for women’s health. It can help balance digestion, improve conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (Zhu et al. 2018) .
If you’re a woman living in or around Burleigh Waters, struggling with constipation or other digestive issues, acupuncture at Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast can provide the relief and support you need with a personalised treatment plan.

About Allied Acupuncture Gold Coast

PH: 07 5522 1691

W: www.alliedacupuncture.com.au

A: 7a / 2 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Gold Coast acupuncture clinic Burleigh Waters. Located near the major intersection of Reedy Creek Rd and Bermuda St, near Treetops Shopping Centre and Bunnings.

We’re 15km or 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and 13.4km from Surfers Paradise. Midway between the M1 Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The clinic has FREE off-street parking, wheel chair access and toilet facilities.

SAME DAY ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:

Book online any time 24/7 or call our answering service Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm for same day appointments on 0755221691. Book an Initial Consultation and Treatment then look for your welcome e-mail.

An Initial Consultation and Treatment with Dr Scott Baker (Acupuncturist) involves discussing your health history, followed by a physical assessment, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Diagnosis involves palpation of the problem area and possibly the abdomen and/or arms and legs. Chinese Medicine may also involve looking at your tongue and checking your pulse where indicated.

Available treatments: 


  • Neoclassical acupuncture using 1-3 needles
  • Biomedical acupuncture (including dry needling &/or electro acupuncture)
  • Balance method / distal acupuncture (Dr Tan / Master Tung style)

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Gold Coast
Find an AHPRA Registered Acupuncturist near you – search ‘acupuncture near me.’ Servicing:

References:

Zhang Y, Li J, Mo G, Liu J, Yang H, Chen X, et al. Acupuncture and Related Therapies for Obesity: A Network Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 2018.

Zhu L, Ma Y, Ye S, Shu Z. Acupuncture for Diarrhoea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 2018.