Living with chronic abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits is exhausting, sometimes even debilitating. Many use the terms IBS and IBD interchangeably. But that’s not accurate. While these ailments share symptoms, they are distinct conditions.
Board-certified internist Dr. Fink, located in Tarzana, CA, specializes in treating chronic abdominal pain. Here’s how he explains the difference to his patients.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder. This means the gut looks normal during an exam, but doesn't work correctly. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves physical damage and inflammation in the digestive tract.
Between 25 and 45 million people in the United States live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). About 3 million adults in the United States reported a diagnosis of IBD as of 2023.
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better
Both conditions can cause cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Because the symptoms overlap, Dr. Fink looks for specific red flags that point toward IBD.
These often include weight loss, rectal bleeding, or fever. IBS symptoms are usually triggered by certain foods or stress and don't typically cause permanent damage to the intestines. While IBS is painful, it doesn't increase your risk for colon cancer or cause the severe inflammation seen in IBD. If you notice blood in your stool or find yourself waking up at night due to bowel
movements, these are signs that we need to investigate for IBD.
Dr. Fink starts with a detailed review of your medical history and a physical exam. Since irritable bowel syndrome doesn't have a single definitive test, we often focus on ruling out other issues. This might involve blood tests to check for anemia or infection. For IBD, we recommend imaging or a colonoscopy to look for visible inflammation or ulcers.
Once Dr. Fink identifies the cause of your discomfort, he creates a plan tailored to your needs. IBS management often involves dietary changes, such as the low FODMAP diet, and stress reduction.
The Low FODMAP diet is a temporary eating plan designed to help manage symptoms of digestive distress, particularly for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The acronym stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.
These are specific types of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine struggles to absorb. Because they aren't fully digested, they travel to the large intestine where they ferment and pull in water, leading to the gas, bloating, and pain common in IBS.
Unlike a typical weight-loss diet, this is a diagnostic tool used at our practice to identify specific food triggers. It generally follows three distinct phases:
IBD treatment is more intensive and usually requires anti-inflammatory medication or biologics to prevent bowel damage. Dr. Fink’s to stop the symptoms before they interfere with your daily routine.
Struggling with persistent digestive issues? Don't wait for the symptoms to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Fink today.
