Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A common functional disorder of the gut causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): A common functional disorder of the large intestine causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Abdominal distention
Distention of the abdomen....
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Bloating
A feeling of fullness, pressure, or swelling in the abdomen, often related to gas, digestion, or fluid retenti...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Diarrhea
Abnormally increased frequency (usually defined as three or more) loose or watery bowel movements a day....
Symptoms of each condition
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Abdominal distention
Distention of the abdomen....
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Bloating
A feeling of fullness, pressure, or swelling in the abdomen, often related to gas, digestion, or fluid retenti...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Diarrhea
Abnormally increased frequency (usually defined as three or more) loose or watery bowel movements a day....
Excess Gas
The passage of gas from the digestive tract, which can be related to diet, digestion, or IBS....
Nausea
A sensation of unease in the stomach together with an urge to vomit....
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Abdominal distention
Distention of the abdomen....
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Bloating
A feeling of fullness, pressure, or swelling in the abdomen, often related to gas, digestion, or fluid retenti...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Diarrhea
Abnormally increased frequency (usually defined as three or more) loose or watery bowel movements a day....
How Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Celiac Disease Antibody Test
Our Celiac Disease Antibody Screening Test screens for the presence of Tissue Transglutaminase antibody (IgG, ...
Celiac Disease Panel
Screens for markers of celiac disease including tTG-IgA....
Fecal Calprotectin
Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome....
Gastrointestinal Health Tests
Fast, easy and affordable gastrointestinal lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. Simply orde...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A common functional disorder of the gut causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): A common functional disorder of the large intestine causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain, Bloating, Constipation, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), CBC with Differential, Celiac Disease Antibody Test, Celiac Disease Panel, Fecal Calprotectin. Test selection is a clinical decision.