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Will IBS turn into colitis?

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: July 11, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: Will IBS turn into colitis?
Answer: There is no evidence that IBS will turn into colitis. The major difference between ulcerative colitis and IBS is that ulcerative colitis causes visible inflammation and sores along the top lining of the large intestine and rectum, whereas in IBS there is no visible tissue inflammation. Although both disorders can involve diarrhea and abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis can cause blood in the stool and fever, both of which are not symptoms of IBS.

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