Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differences

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 10-15% of people worldwide and is a functional disorder of gut-brain interaction without visible inflammation . In contrast, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects roughly 0.3-0.5% of the population and involves chronic inflammation that can damage the intestines . Both conditions share symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, but they differ fundamentally in causes, diagnosis, and treatment . Understanding these differences is essential for proper management and improving patients’ quality of life .