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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 inflammation.

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 based on your diagnosis, 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 an in-depth conversation with your medical team, and all discussions are conducive to a shared decision-making process. Medication is tailored to the patient depending on the type and severity of the disease.

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    Lifestyle Management

    Lifestyle management is also discussed with each individual, emphasizing their specific needs. We work collaboratively with nutritionists, behavioral health specialists and physical therapists to ensure a successful care strategy.

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    Surgical Management

    Some individuals may require surgery, depending on the severity of their condition. When surgery is needed, it's in addition to your overall treatment care plan and it's important to have a colorectal surgeon who specializes in treating inflammatory bowel disease patients.

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    Endoscopic Management

    In addition to surgical management, endoscopic options may be available in specific cases to treat these diseases. Endoscopic evaluation of the disease is a status response to treatment. Screening for colorectal cancer will also be part of your ongoing care.

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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 2025-2026 Gold 11 Specialties

#1 Hospital in Florida

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized as the #1 Hospital in Florida and among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report

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Only National Leader in Greater Orlando

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized as the best hospital in Greater Orlando for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Award: Leapfrog Group - Emerald Award for Outstanding Achievement

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.

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