What is the difference between IBS and gastritis?

Doctor's Answers 2

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee
Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. The diagnosis is made by gastroscopy and biopsy, but can often be suspected based on symptoms. IBS is a condition affecting the intestines, and is thought to be due to problems with the muscles and nerves of the intestine, which in turn causes problems with gut movement and sensitivity. IBS diagnosed using symptoms, and endoscopy and biopsy would be normal.

Based on your predominant symptoms of bloating and excessive flatulence, your problem might be neither gastritis nor IBS. You may have what is classified as 'Functional Bloating'.

Hydrogen/ methane breath testing is a simple and accurate way to diagnose common causes of bloating like sugar intolerance and bacterial overgrowth.

A dietary approach is also useful to identify the exact foods that generate the gas, which is different for every patient. These strategies have been shown to help the majority of patients with bloating and flatulence. My experience also shows this to be true in Singapore.

I hope this helps.

Your symptom description suggests you might have a sensitive stomach and bowel, which are the most common causes for GI symptoms at your age.

The problem of passing gas could be related to the diet that you consume. Please avoid too much of garlic and onion.

You may want to check on FODMAP diet on the internet, as diet high in FODMAP can produce abdominal bloating and flatulence.

Gastritis means inflammation in your stomach, which could be non specific or due to certain causes like Helicobacter pylori infection or painkiller. Irritable bowel syndrome points to bowel sensitivity.

Dr Loh PY

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Similar Questions

Can chronic gastritis be completely cured, and how long does it take for symptoms to resolve?

Chronic gastritis is a term commonly seen in biopsy report on tissue specimens obtained from an upper digestive endoscopy examination. This usually implies mild chronic inflammation seen under the microscope which does not necessarily correlate well with the symptoms you have. In order words, chronic gastritis may resolve while your symptoms persist and vice versa. In actual fact, it is difficult to ensure a complete recovery from chronic gastritis since more tissue specimens will be needed at a later date to confirm this point.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

How can I manage chronic gastritis with cell changes on stomach lining, and partial recovery after 6 months of PPIs?

Based on what I understand from your question, I think you are referring to the term "intestinal metaplasia" which is the presence of normal intestinal cells in your stomach lining. This is a condition most gastroenterologists consider a point of no return in terms of the potential risk of developing gastric cancer. Intestinal metaplasia itself is not cancerous and finding normal intestinal cells in the stomach is not unusual either. This is different from "dysplasia" which can be interpreted as suspicious looking cell change and deemed slightly more serious.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox