WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE…

between IBS and IBD?

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) affects more than ten million people and symptoms include gas, cramps and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Rarely serious, it’s thought to be down to a body’s response to ‘trigger’ foods. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) affects about 300,000 and includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – serious illnesses leading to severe inflammation of the bowel. Patients suffer diarrhoea, weight loss and fever. Most end up needing surgery.