10 Signs IBS Could Be IBD, Part 2

In Part 1 of this article, I discuss 5 signs that your IBS could actually be inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So to continue on, read below for signs 6-10. And if you haven’t read Part 1, please do so in order to familiarize yourself with all the signs.

Let’s take a look at the remaining symptoms:

6. Weight loss

Many people lose weight while suffering from IBS, as the fear of food becomes extremely real, leading to weight loss. Suddenly your go-to foods can’t be enjoyed any longer and you have a tiny amount of things you can eat.

However, weight loss is also a symptom of IBD. With IBD the fear of food is also at play because as we all know with IBS, certain foods trigger horrible symptoms like pain and diarrhea. But now the issue of malnutrition comes to play as well since the intestines are so inflamed and damaged that they are not properly absorbing food, hence the weight loss.

7. Swelling of joints

I will never forget, just before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, my ankles and knees puffed up and swelled so bad. It was so strange. I could barely even walk and I had no idea this was associated with my gut issues. But yes, IBD causes joint pain and swelling, so please be aware and if it persists, talk to your doctor.

8. Skin issues

IBD affects the skin. Breaking out on your face is common along with suffering from hives, other lesions that take forever to heal, and even Erythema Nodosum. If you deal with weird skin issues and are suffering from a flare, you can be dealing with something more than just IBS. So always let your doctor know and ask to be tested for IBD to rule it out.

9. Loss of hair

If your hair starts to fall out in clumps this could be a sign that you are anemic or dealing with other deficiencies. I dealt with terrible hair loss due to the Crohn’s diagnosis and this did not correct itself until I was prescribed proper medication to control the Crohn’s flares.

10. Anemia

Anemia is a common symptom of IBD, especially iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is hard to absorb as it is, and when one’s intestines are physically damaged it makes it even harder, causing iron deficiency. If you find yourself feeling lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, and experiencing heart palpitations, then you may be anemic. Let your doctor know and also ask for further testing for IBD.

In my personal journey, I did a blood test and colonoscopy which confirmed IBD. Once those tests were done and I received a diagnosis, my doctor even went further and did a pill cam test to make sure there wasn’t IBD in my small intestine which is not shown in a colonoscopy.

Overall, if you suffer from the above symptoms, contact your doctor and say you want to be tested for IBD which mainly consists of a Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis diagnosis, although there are other variants.

For more information on symptoms of IBD, check out our sister page: InflammatoryBowelDisease.net