IBS or IBD?

[Crystal89]

Would anyone know the difference between the two?

My ibs has flared up due to the heat and I looked at one of those stool charts to see if that could give me an indication of what's going on and it said I had inflammation.

Which led me on to Inflammatory bowel disorder. When I try a Google search, it doesn't really tell me the difference.

Thank you.

[Viklou]

Sadly a stool chart can't tell you that you have inflammation. However a blood test or a stool sample taken by your GP can be tested for inflammatory markers. I suggest if you have worries go to your doctor.

Doctor google can't tell you that you have inflammation either, good luck and let us know how you get on

[xjrs]

I agree with Viklou. Only a stool/blood tests can tell if you have inflammation. Please ask your GP for these tests if you are worried. Even if your inflammation markers are elevated as a result of these tests, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have IBD. It is just used as an indicator that further investigation is needed and that you'll need a colonoscopy.

My inflammation markers were sky high last year. I had a colonoscopy and still came back with an IBS diagnosis. Far far more people will get a IBS diagnosis after colonoscopy than IBD.

IBD diseases (Chrohn's & Colitis) are very specific illnesses. IBS is diagnosed when anything more sinister has been ruled out. This means, you have tummy troubles, but the science isn't there yet as to what is causing them. However, you don't have anything that will cause your body harm (although it can severely impact your quality of life).