Top Crohn’s Disease & Irritable Bowel Articles & Resources

Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are medical conditions that primarily affect the digestive tract. The main difference between IBS and Crohn’s is that the latter causes chronic inflammation and swelling in the intestines, while the former is a blanket term for many digestive symptoms. While the conditions are diagnosed separately, some Crohn’s disease symptoms and irritable bowel disease symptoms are similar. ⁽¹⁾

Common symptoms of both conditions include diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, bloating, and constipation. Flare-ups or “attacks” sometimes occur after eating or when an individual is under emotional stress, and they can also seemingly appear “out of the blue.” People with Crohn’s or IBS may experience appetite loss, weight loss, and mucus in the stool. ⁽²⁾

Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel disease can cause significant anxiety and emotional distress. Symptoms of these conditions often require immediate access to restrooms, which can cause sufferers to constantly worry about having “accidents.” When in a constant state of anxiety and preoccupied with their bodily functions, a person may avoid social situations and travel, which can lead to feelings of isolation and despair. ⁽³⁾

Currently, no cures for IBS or Crohn’s disease exist. However, treatments are available for both conditions, including medications, dietary changes, and surgical procedures, to help patients manage symptoms.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

Medical experts don’t fully understand the exact cause of Crohn’s disease, but they think certain foods and stress may worsen or aggravate symptoms.
Crohn’s disease sometimes runs in families, so genetics may be a factor in developing the condition. Individuals who smoke or take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) may be at higher risk for developing Crohn’s, and some scientists believe an overactive immune response might be responsible for causing uncomfortable symptoms in the digestive tract. ⁽⁴⁾

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The exact cause of IBS isn’t completely understood. Some medical professionals believe it may be linked to miscommunication between the gut and the brain (brain-gut interaction) that causes food to pass too quickly or slowly through the intestines. Experts also believe emotional triggers, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and a history of childhood trauma, may trigger IBS symptoms and flare-ups.
Other possible causes of IBS include digestive tract infections, bacteria overgrowth in the intestines, and food sensitivities. Some people tend to have more intense symptoms during their menstrual periods, so hormones may play a role. ⁽⁵⁾

How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods to diagnose Crohn’s disease include physical examinations, blood tests, and diagnostic tests. Once a diagnosis is made, the next step is determining the best Crohn’s treatment options to help patients manage their symptoms. ⁽⁶⁾ Tests may include:

• Blood tests to count red and white blood cells and check for signs of inflammation and infections
• Stool tests to help rule out underlying medical conditions and digestive diseases or disorders
• Diagnostic imaging tests to examine the intestines and digestive tract for specific signs of Crohn’s disease

Endoscopies are imaging tests used to diagnose Crohn’s disease. When a physician suspects a patient has Crohn’s, they may order:

• Colonoscopies: During a colonoscopy, the colon and rectum are examined with the help of a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with an attached camera. The camera takes images that allow physicians to look for internal signs of Crohn’s disease.
• CT scans: During a CT scan, the patient lies on a mobile table that moves into a circular X-ray machine. Scans are taken of the digestive tract and assessed for signs of changes that can indicate Crohn’s disease.

Do I Have IBS? How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Currently, no specific tests are available to diagnose IBS or irritable bowel disease. However, many physicians base their suspected diagnosis on certain criteria. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain, are present in a wide range of medical conditions. When IBS is suspected, a physician first conducts tests to rule out other possible diseases or conditions. ⁽⁷⁾
Once other potential conditions are ruled out, a diagnosis is usually based on the following sets of criteria:

IBS-Type Criteria

IBS-type criteria refers to the specific types of symptoms an individual experiences. For example, one person may only have flare-ups that cause diarrhea, while another may report alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation. The four types of IBS are:

• Constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
• Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D)
• Mixed IBS – diarrhea/constipation (IBS-M)
• Unclassified IBS (IBS-U)

Rome Criteria

The Rome Foundation is a nonprofit agency that studies data to help diagnose gastrointestinal disorders. The Foundation’s criteria for IBS include:

• Abdominal pain and discomfort occurring at least once a week for a period of 3 months or longer
• Pain during bowel movements
• Changes in stool consistency
• Changes in the frequency of bowel movements

Once a physician makes an accurate diagnosis, they can move forward with Crohn’s disease treatment and IBS treatment options to help patients ease their symptoms and manage flare-ups.

How to Cope With Crohn’s Disease and IBS

Taking prescribed medications and following physician-recommended diet plans can help individuals cope with physical symptoms of Crohn’s disease and IBS. While anxiety and stress don’t directly cause Crohn’s or IBS, research has shown that individuals with these conditions may be at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Plus, the fear of having a public flare-up and the constant awareness of symptoms can contribute to anxious feelings, creating what can feel like a never-ending cycle of anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms. Working with a mental health counselor to manage the anxiety that often accompanies Crohn’s disease and IBS and practicing self-care are also helpful ways to cope.

How to Help Someone With Crohn’s Disease or IBS

While Crohn’s disease and IBS cause physical symptoms, the nature of the symptoms can also affect a person’s emotional health. ⁽⁸⁾ Worrying about when a potential “accident” may occur can prevent individuals from fully living their lives without fear or anxiety.
Friends and family members of people with Crohn’s disease or IBS can support them by having patience if they cancel plans due to flare-ups and by suggesting calming activities, such as taking outdoor walks versus going out to eat. Taking time to learn about the emotional aspects of these conditions can also help people gain a better understanding of what their loved ones may be experiencing.