Test your skills: Is it IBS or something else?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I see IBS misdiagnosed all the time. [It] used to be this blanket diagnosis, meaning if you met this specific criteria of symptoms, then you were given this IBS diagnosis. However, recently this has changed." — Kaytee Hadley, MSc, RDN
At least 25 million people in the US live with IBS. [] The symptoms of IBS can overlap with other conditions.
Brush up on your knowledge and review the below diagnoses that could be mistaken for IBS.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease and IBS share some common symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. [][]
But they are two distinct conditions. IBS can affect both the small and large intestine, while celiac disease only affects the small intestine. []
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Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, and IBS is not. []
IBS does not cause damage to the digestive tract, while celiac disease can.
IgG4-RD
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes fibrosis and organ dysfunction. []
Unlike IBS, IgG4-RD is an autoimmune disease. Both conditions can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. []
However, IgG4-RD only rarely affects the GI tract.
Unlike IBS, IgG4-RD may be treated in the first instance with steroids. []
Giardiasis
Like IBS, giardiasis may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. [] However, unlike IBS, giardiasis is caused by an infection. Many people with giardiasis also remain asymptomatic.
In the United States, those who travel overseas, frequently spend time outside, or work in daycares are most susceptible to the infection.
Unlike IBS, the standard treatment for giardiasis is antibiotic therapy and rehydration. Treating giardiasis successfully is, however, becoming increasingly challenging.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS impact the gastrointestinal tract, and both can have a negative impact on quality of life.
They can also share symptoms like stomach pain and changes in bowel movements.
But IBD is a type of autoimmune condition, while IBS is not. IBD causes inflammation, while IBS does not, and, unlike IBS, IBD can cause physical damage to the digestive tract. []
Diverticular disease
Like IBS, diverticular disease can cause constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. []
This occurs in diverticular disease when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward in the wall of the colon.
One pouch is called a diverticulum, while multiple pouches are called diverticula.
Many people with the disease won’t experience symptoms.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning can cause IBS-like symptoms, including stomach pain, diarrhea, cramps, and nausea. []
Unlike IBS, food poisoning is caused by ingesting certain germs, such as E. coli or Salmonella.
Food poisoning may last from a few hours to several days and may cause severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, high fever, and vomiting that is so frequent that the patient is unable to keep fluids down.
Lactose intolerance
Similar to IBS, lactose intolerance can cause bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. []
As with IBS, these symptoms can occur after eating certain foods. In the case of lactose intolerance, symptoms may occur after eating foods that contain lactose, or milk sugar. Milk sugar is found naturally in many dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Lactose intolerance can also be managed through adjustments to diet.
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