Colitis vs. IBS: Similarities and differences Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe The similarities and differences of colitis and IBSMedically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — By Sarah Charmley on May 29, 2022Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are separate conditions that both affect the gut. A person may develop both, but they require different treatments as the drugs for colitis will not successfully treat IBS. Some symptoms may appear similar, and both are likely lifelong conditions. The similarity of the abbreviations IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (irritable bowel disease) may sometimes cause misunderstanding. This article will look at colitis and IBS and how they differ in their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Visit our dedicated IBD hub to learn more. Key signs of colitis and IBS Share on PinterestVictor Torres/StocksyBoth colitis and IBS affect the gut and can result in diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colitis or IBS are both conditions that can affect people of any age, but symptoms may be more severe in younger people. Prevalence of colitis and IBS The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests that IBS is the most common digestive tract disorder, with 10–15% of people living with the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that around 3 million adults in the United States had an IBD diagnosis in 2015. Similarities and differences in symptoms Colitis and IBS can produce similar symptoms that may include the following:IBS symptomsColitis symptomsabdominal painabdominal painstomach crampsstomach crampsbloatingwatery stools with blood, pus, or mucus presentwhite mucus in stoolsrectal bleedinga feeling of incomplete bowel movementsurgent need for bowel movements with no stools producedIBS may also link to constipation, diarrhea, or both A person living with IBS does not typically experience rectal bleedingA person who has a more severe form of colitis may also experience fever, fatigue, vomiting or nausea, or weight loss Similarities in colitis and IBS Similarities between colitis and IBS include:the condition can become chronicsymptoms may progress and become more severepoor quality of life when symptoms flarefeeling that the abdomen is bloateda person may develop psychological disorders Differences between colitis and IBS Differences between the two include:Colitis is a whole-body disease, while IBS is a syndrome that mainly affects the gut.Doctors do not yet know the triggers of colitis, although certain foods may be suspect. IBS may include triggers such as stress or particular food groups.Colitis results in physical damage to the colon, while IBS does not.Colitis increases the risk of colon cancer, while IBS does not.A person may develop IBS symptoms alongside colitis, although this is rare.A person can develop another disorder alongside IBS, which may make the condition more severe. Conditions include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain.With colitis, a person may develop anemia, malabsorption, liver complaint (primary sclerosing cholangitis), inflammation of the eye (uveitis), or inflammation of fat under the skin leading to nodules (erythema nodosum).With IBS, a person may develop digestive conditions, including dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Types of colitis and IBS pain Abdominal pain is a symptom of both IBS and colitis. A person with IBS may experience stomach cramps, pain, and discomfort. They can relieve the pain by going to the bathroom and having a bowel movement. They may also feel bloated and have a lot of stomach gas. A person with colitis also experiences abdominal pain, but this is due to gut inflammation. The pain could be from:Narrowed intestines (intestinal strictures): These are blockages or obstructions, making it difficult for food to pass.Fistulas: Some pain may be a result of ulcers or sores on the inside of the intestine wall. These may link and cause pain in other parts of the body, including a person’s bladder, vagina, or skin.Bacteria: Too many bacteria in the small intestine could lead to gas, bloating, or cramps.Poorly digested food: This may cause too much gas and discomfort in the abdomen. A person with colitis may also experience IBS symptoms. Colitis and IBS diagnosis A healthcare professional will use the following to diagnose IBS:medical history, including family and close relative medical historyphysical examinationdiagnostic testing, such as collecting a stool sample Diagnosis for colitis is typically the same. It will begin with a medical history as well as a physical examination. A person may consider sharing previous lab results or a summary of previous visits to a healthcare professional. A person may undergo further testing of their stool samples and blood, and when a doctor has the results from these tests, they may request more detailed investigations of the intestines. These investigations may include:Colonoscopy: This involves inserting a small camera through the anus with sedation. It enables the healthcare professional to examine the length of the colon.Sigmoidoscopy: This examines the left side of the colon or rectum. It enables the healthcare professional to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Individuals may not require sedation because the procedure can offer less discomfort than other endoscopies.Biopsy: A doctor will take small pieces of tissue during an endoscopy for analysis or screening.Scans, including barium contrast studies: A person will drink a barium solution that will highlight intestinal features during an X-ray or cross-sectional imaging that combines CT and MRI scans. IBS and colitis could both present as colon cancer, and a doctor will be able to rule this out. Causes of colitis and IBS Neither IBS nor colitis has a definitive cause. Colitis causes Possible reasons for a person developing colitis may include: Geographical location A study on the global burden of disease examined IBD and found that between 1990 and 2017, the worldwide number of people living with IBD increased, particularly in newly industrialized countries. Defective immunity A 2018 study looking at T-cells — part of the body’s immunity against foreign invaders — found that they play an important role in IBD. Genetics A 34-year population study in Denmark found that the risk of developing IBD increased for up to third-degree relatives, which may include first cousins, great-grandparents, and great-grandchildren. Gut biomes including a mix of bacteria virus and fungi cells According to a 2018 study, an increase in bacteria and a decrease in protective bacteria in the gut biome may influence the development of IBD. People living with IBD were also more likely to have a decrease in gut biome diversity. Diet A 2017 study examined the views of people living with IBD and clinicians, including gastroenterologists, dietitians, and surgeons, on the role of diet in IBD. Many individuals living with the condition agreed that their diet affected their IBD, and more than half felt that their medical professional did not agree that diet was important. Gastroenterologists were more likely to recognize diet as having a role in the condition, and most of them reported giving dietary advice. IBS causes The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation suggests IBS does not have a lot of similarities with colitis when it comes to causes. The causes of IBS may include: Food Often the first help for a person living with IBS is dietary advice, as food could be part of the cause of the condition. A 2017 study linked the condition to alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food, including red chili. Advice includes reducing the consumption of fatty foods and taking care with dietary fiber. If a person has lactose intolerance and also avoids dairy, they should consider other ways to include calcium in their diet. The study also pointed to a lack of evidence on whether gluten may worsen IBS symptoms. Activity A 2018 study found a link between IBS and adults who do not regularly exercise. Diet A 2017 study suggested a person should follow a regular meal pattern without skipping meals. They should not eat large portions at mealtimes and ensure that they sit down, eat slowly, and chew food carefully. Gut microbiome A 2019 study in Frontiers in Microbiology found links between inflammation in the gut and IBS. The inflammation could be the result of infection, stress, or a problem with gut function. Brain-gut coordination Frontiers in Microbiology also cited a connection between the gut and brain, suggesting that anxiety and depression could have links to IBS. It said the brain is responsible for IBS symptoms that involve the hypersensitive nerves in the intestines, with stress being a large influence on the communication between the gut and brain. Medications A 2018 study links antibiotics with an increased risk of developing IBS after up to 4 months of treatment. IBS treatment According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), treatment for IBS depends on the type of IBS that a person is living with. If a person lives with IBS and has accompanying diarrhea, a healthcare professional may ask them to eat more fiber or avoid gluten. They may also advise them to do more physical activity, reduce their exposure to stress as much as possible, and ensure they get enough sleep. A doctor may advise a person living with IBS and constipation to eat more soluble fiber. However, insoluble fiber, such as bran, will not help the condition. They may also advise a person to increase physical activity. People widely use laxatives to treat constipation. Colitis treatment The NIDDK suggests that treatment for colitis will involve medication to help reduce inflammation. Medication for colitis may include:aminosalicylates which are well proven to treat mild or moderate colitissteroids, which a person may use for the short termimmunosuppressantsbiologics or biosimilars Natural colitis and IBS remedies Natural remedies include:Yoga: A 2015 study suggests that yoga could reduce stress and act as a remedial therapy for IBS. According to a study in Frontiers in Psychology, yoga may help people living with colitis by providing relief from depression and anxiety, which could help with the overall condition.Mindfulness: A 2018 study shows that mindfulness helps reduce stress, which may also reduce IBS symptoms.Diet: A 2017 study in BMJ Open Gastroenterology found that blood tests could pinpoint foods that may activate people’s IBS. The short trial found that this method could help a person remove trigger foods from their diet. Most people living with colitis will also focus on diet, but a 2019 study in Nutrients suggested that future trials will provide more evidence of specific foods that may enable symptoms to go into remission.Herbal medicine: A study in 2016 examined the effects of different herbal medicines on IBS. Herbal preparations included aloe vera, artichoke, turmeric, and psyllium, a dietary fiber. Some herbal preparations may help in the treatment of colitis. According to a 2019 study from Phytotherapy Research, Chinese herbal medicines including turmeric or curcumin, Fufangkushen colon-coated capsule, and Xilei may also help. Acupuncture: Another 2019 study found that acupuncture may improve IBS symptoms, but doctors need further trials to validate the results. A person may try acupuncture if they find other remedies are ineffective. Combining acupuncture with conventional medication could effectively treat colitis symptoms when compared to conventional medication alone, according to a 2020 study. Outlook Both IBS and colitis can affect a person’s quality of life and mental health. A person may undergo personalized treatment for both their mental and physical health. A person living with IBS may find their treatment depends on the type of IBS. Symptoms can go into remission if a person improves their diet and reduces their stress. Those living with colitis may find symptoms progress over time. Medication can become less effective, and a person may need surgery to manage symptoms and help them go into remission. Summary IBS and colitis are two different conditions. IBS is a syndrome that may have unpleasant symptoms, but the condition does not damage the colon and a person can typically manage their symptoms. Colitis may be part of an IBD diagnosis. Individuals can manage colitis with conventional medication, natural remedies, or both. They may need surgery to relieve symptoms as the condition progresses. Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2022Ulcerative ColitisCrohn's / IBDGastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyNutrition / DietMedically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — By Sarah Charmley on May 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTreatment options for IBSMedically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. 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