Understanding IBD and IBS: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Digestive problems are becoming more common in India, especially in growing cities like Hyderabad. Many people experience stomach pain, gas, bloating, and irregular motions, but don’t realise they could be signs of deeper issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These two conditions may seem alike, but they are very different in nature, symptoms, and treatment. Knowing the difference is very important so that the right treatment can be started on time. For expert advice and treatment, it’s best to visit an experienced IBD IBS specialist in Hyderabad like Dr. N Subrahmaneswara Babu, one of the top medical and surgical gastroenterologists in Hyderabad at Apollo Hospitals and EVOKE Clinics. This blog will help you clearly understand IBD vs IBS, their symptoms, how doctors diagnose them, and the best treatment options available from trusted IBD and IBS surgeons in Hyderabad.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease refers to chronic inflammation or swelling of the intestines. The two main types of IBD are:

• Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus
• Ulcerative Colitis: Primarily involves the large intestine (colon)

IBD is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the digestive tract. This results in visible damage to the intestinal lining that can be seen during medical tests. IBD can run in families, with about 5-20% of patients having a first-degree relative with the condition.

IBS is a functional condition related to problems with how your brain and gut work together. Unlike IBD, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation or visual damage to the digestive tract. It’s considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder or a disorder of the gut-brain interaction.

IBS is classified into various types based on bowel movement patterns:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Hard or lumpy stools are common
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Loose or watery stools are predominant
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): Both constipation and diarrhea occur

IBD Symptoms:

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease typically experience:

• Rectal bleeding and bloody diarrhea
• Severe abdominal cramping and pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever during flare-ups

IBS Symptoms:

People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome commonly report:

• Chronic abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both)
• Bloating and gas
• No rectal bleeding or weight loss (important distinction from IBD)
• Symptoms that often worsen with stress

An important distinction is that IBS does not develop into IBD or cause permanent harm to your intestines, although it can significantly affect your quality of life. If you notice red flags like bleeding or weight loss, consult a top gastroenterologist in Hyderabad like Dr. N. S. Babu immediately. Delayed IBD treatment can worsen complications.

Proper diagnosis of IBD typically requires several tests:

• Blood tests to check for inflammation markers
• Stool samples to rule out infections
• Colonoscopy or endoscopy to visualize the digestive tract
• Tissue biopsies to confirm inflammation
• CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the disease

Dr. N. S. Babu, a senior gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, is an expert in diagnosing and treating IBD. He carefully guides patients through the right tests, explains the results clearly, and ensures the correct treatment from day one.

IBS diagnosis relies primarily on:

• Patient history and symptom review
• Physical examination
• The Rome IV criteria, which require recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation or changes in bowel habits
• Ruling out “red flags” like anemia, blood in stool, unintentional weight loss, or a family history of colorectal cancer

Usually, only a few tests are needed.

Dr. N. S. Babu also helps with IBS diagnosis using a gentle, patient-friendly approach, giving clear answers and proper care.

IBD Treatment:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, needs careful and ongoing treatment. The goal is to decrease inflammation in the intestines, manage signs, and prevent serious complications.

Here are the common treatment methods used by experts like Dr. N. S. Babu:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune system suppressors
• Biologics for moderate to severe cases
• Antibiotics for infections
• Nutritional supplements
• Surgery in severe cases that don’t respond to medication

In Hyderabad, several hospitals offer comprehensive IBD treatment programs with the latest medications and surgical options when necessary.

IBS Management:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is different from IBD and usually does not cause permanent damage to the intestines. The focus of IBS treatment is on managing symptoms and making lifestyle improvements. Here’s how Dr. N. S. Babu helps patients manage IBS:

• Dietary changes (identifying trigger foods)
• Fiber supplements for constipation-predominant IBS
• Medications for specific symptoms:
  • For IBS-D: Loperamide, rifaximin, eluxadoline
  • For IBS-C: Fiber supplements, laxatives, lubiprostone
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep

Dr. N. S. Babu emphasizes holistic care for IBS, combining diet advice, medications, and mental health support for long-term relief.

Ignoring IBD can lead to serious health problems like:

• Bowel narrowing (called strictures), which blocks digestion
• Fistulas, or abnormal openings between organs
• Poor nutrient absorption, causing weight loss and weakness
• Increased risk of colon cancer, especially in long-term ulcerative colitis

That’s why early treatment is very important. Dr. N.S. Babu offers modern, minimally invasive surgeries and long-term care plans in Hyderabad to prevent these complications.

While IBS doesn’t damage your organs, it can affect your routine:

• Constant tiredness because of pain and bloating
• Worry about symptoms showing up during work or travel
• Avoiding social events due to fear of embarrassment

Getting help from an IBS doctor in Hyderabad, like Dr. N.S. Babu can make daily life more comfortable with simple, effective treatments.

Change in Eating Habits:

• Avoid common triggers: Cut down on spicy food, oily snacks, and caffeine. Try eating home-cooked meals.
• Increase fibre slowly: Eat oats, bananas, or papaya for smooth digestion.
• Drink enough fluids: Go for buttermilk, jeera water, or tender coconut water to stay hydrated.

Reduce Stress Naturally:

• Yoga and breathing exercises (like pranayama) help relax your stomach and mind.
• Sleep well: Get 7–8 hours of rest every night.
• Talk to someone: Counselling or therapy can ease anxiety that worsens IBS.

Managing IBD and IBS requires accurate diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and expert care. If you’re in Hyderabad, consult Dr. N. S. Babu, a trusted IBD and IBS specialist, for personalized treatment. With the right approach, you can reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

Book an Appointment, Visit Our Evoke Clinic, or call 9490808080 for the best inflammatory bowel disease treatment in Hyderabad.