For ordinary people, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is often equated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or irritable bowel. IBD belongs to a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation of the small and large intestines, where elements of the digestive system are attacked by the body’s immune system.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that occur together, including recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea constipation, or both.

The following is an explanation of the difference between IBS and IBD by Prof. Murdani Abdullah, MD, Ph.D. a specialist in internal medicine and consultant gastroenterology hepatology.

Both IBD and IBS can cause stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea. However, the two are very different diseases. IBS is still classified as a functional disorder and does not cause inflammation, while IBD has been classified as an organic disorder accompanied by damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, IBD is more dangerous than IBS because it can cause damaging and permanent inflammation of the intestines.

Prof. Murdani added that if IBD is left alone, it can worsen the patient’s condition due to the complications it causes. In IBD Ulcerative Colitis (UC), complications experienced by patients can be in the form of toxic megacolon or toxic swelling of the large intestine. Perforated colon or a hole in the large intestine to severe dehydration and increase the risk of colon cancer. Meanwhile, in IBD Crohn’s Disease (CD) patients, complications that occur are bowel obstruction, malnutrition, fistulas, and anal fissures or tears in the anal tissue.

Source:

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome

https://www.liputan6.com/health/read/4461983/mengenal-inflammatory-bowel-disease-dan-perbedaannya-dengan-irritable-bowel-syndrome

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