Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The difference between IBD and IBS is first in the “I”. IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It's the most common reason people come to a gastroenterologist, and it usually shows itself with abdominal cramping, some diarrhea, and maybe constipation. The "I" is irritable because the muscles and nerves squeeze the intestine. In IBD, the "I" stands for inflammation. That means somewhere in the intestine are sores or ulcers . IBD can lead to damage over time if not treated properly, whereas IBS is really more about controlling the symptoms.
Dartmouth Health is New Hampshire's only academic health system and the state's largest private employer, serving patients across northern New England. With more than 13,000 employees, we are deeply committed to serving the healthcare needs of everyone in our communities, and to providing each of our patients with exceptional, personal care.
Read more about IBD if you think you might have the disease at:
dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/do-you-think-you-might-have-crohns-disease.
The difference between IBD and IBS is first in the “I”. IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It's the most common reason people come to a gastroenterologist, and it usually shows itself with abdominal cramping, some diarrhea, and maybe constipation. The "I" is irritable because the muscles and nerves squeeze the intestine. In IBD, the "I" stands for inflammation. That means somewhere in the intestine are sores or ulcers . IBD can lead to damage over time if not treated properly, whereas IBS is really more about controlling the symptoms.
Dartmouth Health is New Hampshire's only academic health system and the state's largest private employer, serving patients across northern New England. With more than 13,000 employees, we are deeply committed to serving the healthcare needs of everyone in our communities, and to providing each of our patients with exceptional, personal care.
Read more about IBD if you think you might have the disease at:
dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/do-you-think-you-might-have-crohns-disease.
