IBS-type symptoms in patients with IBD are probably caused by occult inflammation and are not the result of true IBS, according to the findings of a new study by Fergus Shanahan and colleagues from University College Cork in Ireland. IBS-type symptoms are commonly reported in patients with IBD and the prevalence of both diseases in the general population means that it is statistically possible for patients with IBD to have IBS. However, proving that IBS and IBD coexist is problematic because the two diagnoses are mutually exclusive. Even in patients who have IBD that is in remission it is difficult to evaluate IBS-type symptoms-it is not possible to be sure that the disease really is in remission and that no inflammation is present without performing exhaustive and invasive tests.
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