Introduction
Gastrointestinal diseases can be extremely complicated and challenging to navigate. Two conditions that are common and yet often confused are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both can be very troublesome and painful and can alter particular bowel habits; however, one must understand that they are two different phenomena, interlinked through a few similar symptoms.
Understanding the difference between IBS and IBD directly affects diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms include chronic inflammation, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal pain, and cramping, while IBS is a functional disorder and causes diffuse gastrointestinal discomfort without visible damage. In this blog, let’s review the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of IBS and IBD.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD consists of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, resulting in chronic inflammation and ulceration of the intestines. While the precise trigger remains uncertain, genetic susceptibility, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors are considered suspected initiators.
Symptoms of IBD
- Frequent and/or sudden urges to pass stools
- Loose motion
- Stools with blood
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Tiredness, weight loss, and lack of appetite
- Flares (the active disease) are interspersed with periods of remission.
Complications that may arise if left untreated include intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, and increased risk of cancer.
Diagnosis of IBD
- Blood tests to check for inflammation (CRP elevation) and anemia
- Stool tests for fecal calprotectin, a marker for inflammation
- Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and upper endoscopy to detect ulcers and inflammation
- CT and MR imaging if complications and the extent of involvement are suspected.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Functional Disorder
IBS does not cause inflammation or structural changes; IBS affects gut motility and sensitivity. It is based on the dysfunction of the gut-brain axis, food intolerance, stress, and altered gut microbiome.
Symptoms of IBS
- Abdominal crampy pains and the sensation of distention
- Gas and mucus present in stool
- Either diarrhea or constipation or both (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M)
- No bloody stool and no significant weight loss
- Unlike pathological forms of irritable bowel disease, IBS is not associated with a higher risk of cancer.
- Psychological problems like anxiety and depression can often make the symptoms worse.
Diagnosis of IBS
- Rome IV Criteria: Based on symptom patterns
- Blood and stool tests: Usually normal
- Endoscopy: Not needed unless ruling out other
NOTE: IBS Diagnosis According to the Rome IV Criteria
According to the criteria, a diagnosis of IBS encompasses recurrent abdominal pain that occurred at least once weekly for the past three months and which is associated with an additional two of the following criteria:
- Related to Defecation– Pain relieved by or aggravated by bowel movement.
- Change in Frequency of Stools– Increase or decrease in frequency of stools.
- Change in Form (Appearance) of Stools– There is a change in consistency (loose, watery, or solid).
Ayurveda Perspective of IBS and IBD
Ayurveda correlates IBS with “Grahani Dosha”, the grahani (duodenum) inability to function properly. The duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, continues digestion by receiving chyme from the stomach and facilitating nutrient absorption through the actions of bile, pancreatic enzymes, and its secretions.
Crohn’s Disease can be correlated to “Pittaja Grahani Roga,” and Ulcerative Colitis is considered “Pravahika” in Ayurveda. All these conditions are interlinked and manifest as digestive dysregulation.
Ayurveda Treatment
The treatment of IBD includes decreasing inflammation, changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, and strengthening the gut. In the worst cases, surgery is implemented. Psychological support takes the central stage in managing stress-related symptoms.
IBS – Consuming less salty, spicy food, reductions in stress, and rebuilding gut microbiomes are generally useful to IBS patients. Their digestive imbalances are further corrected with Ayurveda therapies that improve Agni (digestive fire) and increase gut health.
Ayurveda treatment for IBS (Grahani Dosha) focuses on restoring Agni (digestive fire) and balancing Doshas through dietary modifications, herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies (Vasti, Virechana), and stress management.
For IBD, Ayurveda aims to reduce inflammation and heal the gut using cooling herbs, Picha Vasti, Takra Basti, and Rasayana therapies to strengthen digestion and immunity. The following are a few therapies administered in general –
- Langhana: Complete or intermittent fasting detoxifies the body and resets the digestive system to function better
- Deepana & Pachana: Herbs or formulations are administered to enhance digestion
- Shodhana (Detoxification Therapies): Virechana (purgation), Vasti (enemas) such as Picha Vasti, Anuvasana Vasti, Takra Vasti, and Takra Dhara for stress reduction are administered.
- Home Remedies: Buttermilk with digestive spices, cumin-infused water, ginger, and fennel
- Dietary Adjustments: Eat easily digestible foods (old rice, gourd, and lentils) while avoiding heavy, oily, and incompatible foods
- Lifestyle Modifications: Yoga, pranayama, meditation
Key Differences Between IBD and IBS
Feature | Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
Nature | Chronic inflammation and structural damage | Functional disorder without structural damage or inflammation |
Inflammation | Present | Absent |
Damage to GI Tract | Yes | No |
Key Symptoms | Bloody stool, weight loss, fatigue, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain | Bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or both |
Diagnosis | Blood tests (elevated CRP), stool tests (elevated fecal calprotectin), endoscopy (visible inflammation), imaging (bowel wall inflammation) | Primarily clinical history and Rome IV criteria; blood and stool tests typically normal, no inflammation on endoscopy |
Complications | Bowel obstruction, ulcerations, malnutrition, increased cancer risk | No permanent damage or increased cancer risk |
Seriousness | Generally, more serious due to potential complications | Less serious physically, but can significantly impact quality of life |
Apollo AyurVAID provides a comprehensive, patient-centric way to manage IBS and IBD to restore gut health and general well-being. We perform very detailed assessments that include stool analysis, evaluation of the gut microbiome, and assessment of stress and its impacts to identify root causes. We give individualized treatments using Ayurveda detoxification, herbal medicines, diet recommendations, and anti-inflammatory measures. For long-term remission, lifestyle modifications comprising stress management, yoga, and making the utmost utilization of their daily routines are additional key components of therapy. We ensure continuous monitoring of these parameters and adapt treatment to meet the goals of equanimity, relief, and quality of life. With expert medical guidance and a patient-oriented approach, Apollo AyurVAID provides effective solutions for digestive health.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinctions between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is pivotal for the diagnosis and treatment of these gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation and structural damage, whereas IBS is mainly a functional symptom that consists of abdominal pain and disturbance in its normal function. The effects both diseases have on the patient’s life are similar, but they completely differ in ways of diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Professional medical help should be sought for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
References
- Crohn’s Colitis Foundation. Inflammatory Bowel Disease vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 2019. Available from: https://www.crohnscolitisfounda
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312bff65f775fd0209dd - Raskotra, K et al. (2025). The Ayurvedic Treatment Protocols of Grahani (Irritable-bowel Syndrome) – Case Report. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.
2025.v07i01.34785 - Singhal, P (2016). Ayurvedic Perspective of Irritable Bowel Syndrome :A Didactic Review – Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine, 5, 24-32. https://www.semanticscholar.org
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4003b615b511d28ead1f - Bindu, K K, Menon, B G (2023). Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic Formulations as a Guideline for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – A Review. Journal of Natural Remedies. https://doi.org/10.18311/
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