Signs you might have irritable bowel syndrome

What do diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain have in common? They can all be symptoms of a condition called irritable bowel syndrome. Learn the symptoms, common triggers and how to manage when a flareup hits.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

“Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common GI condition that causes changes in your digestive system,” says Vimal Bodiwala, MD, gastroenterologist at Geisinger.

It can affect both genders; it most commonly affects women under 45. It’s also common in people with a family history of bowel conditions.

There are a few different types of IBS. The classic hallmark of IBS is abdominal pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement. Each type is classified by how stool looks when you’re having symptoms.

IBS with diarrhea

IBS with diarrhea, or IBS-D, is the most common type. With IBS-D you have frequent bowel movements and abdominal pain that is relieved by having bowel movements. 

IBS with constipation

Also referred to as IBS-C, this type predominantly features constipation and abdominal pain.

IBS-mixed

With this type of IBS, you may go back and forth between episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of IBS. And they can vary from person to person or flareup to flareup. Symptoms can also last for days or even weeks. Common IBS symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or fullness
• Bloating
• Gas
• Urgent need to poop
• Feeling like you have to poop after you’ve already gone
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Mucus or blood in stool

You may also notice back pain, tiredness or frequent urination.

“Symptoms may lessen or disappear completely after a bowel movement,” Dr. Bodiwala says.

Symptoms can come and go, flaring up occasionally.

What causes IBS flareups?

IBS triggers can differ from person to person. Common causes of IBS flareups include:

Stress or anxiety

The gut-brain axis is a connection between our brains and gut that helps communicate between both systems. Stressful situations can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. That added stress may flood your body with stress hormones. And that surge of hormones can cause changes in your digestion. 

Those changes can lead to flareups that may result in diarrhea and stomach pain. These, and other symptoms, can be stressful themselves.

“The flareup of symptoms, in turn, can lead to more stress,” says Dr. Bodiwala. “And that can trigger more symptoms.”

Food sensitivities

Diet can play a role in IBS symptoms. Certain foods can make symptoms worse, especially:

• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Spicy or fried food
• Beans or cabbage

Foods that make someone else’s symptoms worse may not make yours as severe.

Hormonal changes

A fluctuation in hormones from your menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause can cause changes in digestion. This can cause symptoms to flare, especially around the start of your period.

Infection

Have you had a stomach bug recently? If your stomach is still feeling a little off, it could be the result of viral illness. Some bugs can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can lead to new onset or worsening of IBS symptoms.

Other things that can lead to a flareup include:

• Changes to your routine
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Lack of sleep

How to manage IBS symptoms

If you are dealing with a flareup, you can get relief. Start with these to help ease symptoms.

Identify your triggers

Flareups can look different from person to person. That’s why identifying your triggers can help you stop flareups before they start. Looking for a way to track them? Dr. Bodiwala suggests keeping a journal of your symptoms as well as anything that’s helped or made them worse.

Adjust your diet

Making changes to your diet can help minimize flareups. Consider trying a low FODMAP diet. This specialized diet starts by eliminating certain foods, especially:

• Dairy
• Onions/garlic
• Wheat
• Certain fruits like grapes, mango and peaches
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower

These foods can aggravate IBS and worsen symptoms.

After a period of elimination, you may gradually reintroduce foods to see if they cause flareups. “And once you know which foods you can safely eat, you can create a customized mix of foods that works with your individual needs,” says Dr. Bodiwala.

Manage stress

Stress can make IBS symptoms worse. To stay on top of stress levels, try meditating or doing deep breathing exercises.

These options can also help take your stress levels down:

• Exercise
• Getting enough rest
• Delegating tasks
• Talk therapy

Turn to your medicine cabinet

Looking for relief of your IBS symptoms? Look no further than your medicine cabinet. Keep it stocked with over-the-counter products like:

• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Laxatives
• Gas reducers

When to see a healthcare provider

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be time to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

And if you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away:

• Blood or mucus in stool
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Rashes
• New onset of symptoms if you’re over 50

You and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out next steps and find the right treatments to help you feel your best.

Next steps:

Learn about gastroenterology at Geisinger
Your diet can help prevent colorectal cancer
Upset stomach? These things could be behind it.