Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often confused, as their names and symptoms—such as diarrhea and abdominal pain—are similar. However, these gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are fundamentally different and require distinct treatment approaches. Understanding the differences is crucial because IBD can lead to serious complications, including strictures, fistulas, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS encompasses a group of conditions affecting the stomach and intestines, characterized by episodes of diarrhea and/or constipation, gas, bloating, mucus in stool, and abdominal cramping. Unlike a disease, IBS is a collection of symptoms. It affects 10% to 15% of people, with women being twice as likely to have it. IBS symptoms can be chronic or episodic, impacting quality of life despite the absence of detectable inflammation.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be triggered by food intolerances or sensitivities, or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Diagnosis involves ruling out other diseases, as there is no specific test for IBS. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medication.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD refers to two immune-mediated conditions: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. Common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD also affects the joints and skin, indicating systemic inflammation. Unlike IBS, IBD involves inflammation of the GI tract lining.
Diagnosis of IBD involves detecting inflammation through blood and stool tests, endoscopy, tissue biopsies, and imaging tools like MRI and ultrasound. Approximately 3 million Americans have IBD, with similar rates in men and women. The exact cause of IBD is unclear, but it may involve immune responses to gut microbials and genetic factors.
IBD can cause serious complications, such as intestinal damage requiring surgery and an increased risk of colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation.
Innovative Treatments for IBD
While there is no cure for IBD, Johnson & Johnson is developing treatments to improve patients’ quality of life. The company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to evaluate therapies targeting the interleukin 23 pathway, a key driver of immune-mediated diseases. They have also applied for approval in Europe to treat Crohn’s disease with this therapeutic.
Additionally, Johnson & Johnson is studying an oral peptide inhibitor designed to block IL-23 for UC patients. Clinical trials have shown promising results, improving symptoms of psoriasis, as published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting.
Understanding the distinctions between IBS and IBD is vital for effective treatment and management, particularly given the potential complications associated with IBD.
