Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease. Although IBS can also lead to chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements (such as alternating constipation and diarrhea), it is not an inflammatory condition and never involves rectal bleeding, says Dr. Alaradi. It generally affects more women than men, is considered less serious than IBD, and can be managed through treatment of symptoms, such as pain relievers. And unlike IBD, IBS never progresses into more serious conditions such as cancer, says Dr. Alaradi.
