Parents are often confused about the terms IBS versus IBD. IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBS and IBD are two very different gastrointestinal conditions with completely different treatments.
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. IBS causes gut dysfunction and pain, but does not cause damage to or inflammation of the digestive system. It does not cause bloody stools, increase your risk for colon cancer, or cause IBD.
IBD is a disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the digestive system and causes permanent damage. There are two types of IBD known as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Symptoms that suggest IBS include:
Symptoms that suggest IBD include:
Cramping and sharp abdominal pain and tenderness
IBS is diagnosed through the following:
IBD is diagnosed through the following:
The treatment for IBS is tailored to the child’s symptoms. Treatment options may need to be changed based on how symptoms change.
The treatment for IBD involves six classes of medications based on the severity and location of the disease. There is currently no cure for IBD.
Yes, it is possible to have IBS and IBD. Speak to your child’s doctor about a careful medical evaluation to determine if your child has both of these medical conditions.
IBS is a syndrome and not a disease that involves the function of the digestive system. There is no evidence that IBS progresses into a disease.
If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, speak to your child’s physician about pursuing further evaluation. If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Frisco Office or Request Appointment Here.
