Differentiating Between IBS and IBD

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) are common today and are often viewed as the same thing. They are not. IBD is a broad term referring to chronic inflammation of the bowels, mostly linked to Crohn’s and Colitis. IBS is not classified as a true disease, it’s known instead as a ‘functional disorder’, which means they don’t know what is causing the symptoms and test results generally come back normal. IBS is usually characterized by a combination of abdominal pain, cramps, constipation and diarrhea. IBD can cause the same symptoms as IBS as well as; eye discomfort, extreme fatigue, joint pain and rectal bleeding. Both can cause urgent bowel movements. There are natural therapies including reflexology and acupuncture that can help keep symptoms under control.

Trenna Reid, Discover Reflexology