Doctors Answers (1)

Shahram Javaheri, M.D.
Answered on: 1/13/2012
There are numerous differences between the two. IBD is an intestinal inflammatory condition that comes as either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The causes are likely due to genetic predisposition. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional bowel disorder without any disease process. Therefore, IBS will not be noted in an endoscopy or colonoscopy and do not decrease lifespan. Symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits are often brought on by different types of diets.