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Know the Difference: IBD and IBS

The more knowledge you empower yourself with, the more beneficial your conversations with doctors and specialists can be. For example, these two conditions sound similar, but have different symptoms and treatment approaches.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when the body’s immune system attacks parts of the digestive system, which can cause several inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While there is no cure for IBD, treatments often successfully reduce and control the symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the natural movement of the intestines during digestion, which leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, mucus in the stool, diarrhea and/or constipation. Treatments to relieve symptoms can range from dietary changes to medications.

At AdventHealth, our world-renowned physicians provide many of the latest lifestyle, medical, surgical and endoscopic options on your road to recovery. Providing individualized care plans, our specialists are here to help you with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and a range of similar digestive conditions, including diverticulitis, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Our clinical team is highly acclaimed and stands at the forefront of IBD research nationwide. It’s patient stories like yours that help us deliver insights and treatment programs that push innovation and offer support — for the body, mind and spirit.

Download Guide Digestive IBD Central

What You’ll Want to Know

Nearly 2 million Americans currently suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with an estimated 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Take a moment to learn more about this condition and you’ll find just how easy it can be for you to manage. This guide answers questions like:

  • What are the symptoms of IBD?
  • Are there any serious risks with the condition?
  • What’s the best way to manage it?
  • Will my IBD go into remission?
Download Your Guide

Discover a Variety of Treatments

There are a number of treatments and procedures to help you overcome the difficulties you’ve been experiencing with IBD. Let’s schedule a good time for you to sit down with one of our specialists and discuss your best path forward for healing and getting back to a normal life.

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    Medical Management

    Treatment usually begins with the prescription of antibiotics and, at times, more complex anti-inflammatory medications to correct your condition. Other medications include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologic therapy drugs. As always, every treatment plan is customized to meet your individual needs.

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    Lifestyle Management

    The next step of your treatment plan often involves simple new eating habits. While IBD isn’t caused or cured by diet, we believe that infusing more cooked vegetables, lean meats, poultry and other select foods into your regimen will reduce your symptoms and make life easier for you every day.

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    Surgical Management

    It’s true that medication and dietary adjustments are not always enough for every case of IBD. Surgery may be required, and it can often cure your condition. Although many can find relief with medication and changes in their diet, sometimes surgery is the best option for care in certain cases. After discussing it together, your doctor will explain the range of various treatment techniques, and determine which ones are right for you.

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    Endoscopic Management

    You may decide on a follow-up endoscopic balloon dilation procedure after your initial surgery to reduce postoperative risk. Not only is this procedure minimally invasive, it’s been proven to enhance the preservation of your bowel tissue. Please consult your doctor to learn the best treatment strategy for you.

The Freedom to Feel Your Best

You may have been suffering from IBD for weeks, months or years. Don’t wait another day to learn how you can take control of your condition and get back to leading a more free life.

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Putting You First From the Start

Personal support is here when you need it. From initial diagnosis all the way through each stage of the recovery process, you'll have a designated team member who can help with scheduling and answer questions about treatment, therapy and more.

On a Mission to Advance Digestive Care

Our expert doctors and nurses are nationally acclaimed thought leaders dedicated to improving the level of digestive care for our patients.

US News Best Hospitals Gold 4 Specialties 2024-2025

#1 Hospital in Greater Orlando

AdventHealth Orlando has been recognized as the #1 hospital in Greater Orlando for 14 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

US News High Performing Hospital Gastroenterology 2024-2025

National Leader in Digestive Care

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a nationally rated leader in gastroenterology and GI surgery.

Leapfrog Group Emerald Award

Nationally Recognized for Patient Safety, Quality and Transparency

The Leapfrog Group has exclusively recognized AdventHealth with the Emerald Award for remarkable achievements and leadership in patient safety, quality and transparency by a health care system, including maintaining a culture of excellence throughout all levels of the organization. Delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care is our priority, and we’re honored to be the first health care system to earn this award.

Take Charge of Your Care Today

Whole-person care empowers you to take your health into your own hands. Going beyond the traditional, you’ll have access to multiple programs and resources that target long-lasting lifestyle changes, emphasizing diet and exercise to nourish your sustained well-being. It’s all about helping you feel whole again — in body, mind and spirit.

Or call us at 800-940-0632.