The Signs and Symptoms of IBS
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Since the pandemic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnoses in the United States have continued to go up. From 2020-2022, the prevalence of IBS nearly doubled. The symptoms that come with IBS, like digestive discomfort and abdominal pain, can result in a major decrease in quality of life.
If you’re experiencing problems with your digestive health and haven’t received a diagnosis of IBS yet, this guide will help you decide if it’s worth seeing a doctor. We’ll go over the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, the different types of IBS and lifestyle changes you can make that might help you ease your symptoms.
What is IBS?
IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that mainly affects the stomach and the intestines. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are divided into two main categories— functional and structural. Structural Gl disorders are ones that visibly alter your GI system and are, in general, considered to be the more potentially severe of the two types. A functional GI does not cause any visible damage to the GI system, but can still have pretty significant symptoms.
IBS is considered a functional GI disorder, so there isn’t any visible sign of damage and the symptoms can fluctuate based on how the brain and the gut are interacting. There are several different subtypes under the IBS umbrella, including IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M and IBS-U.
- IBS-C: IBS-C is IBS with constipation. IBS-C is characterized by hard, lumpy stools and infrequent bowel movements.
- IBS-D: IBS-D is IBS with diarrhea. IBS-D involves loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements.
- IBS-M: IBS-M is a subtype that involves mixed symptoms. When someone has IBS-M, they will alternate between periods of diarrhea and constipation.
- IBS-U: IBS-U is an unsubtyped version of IBS where the symptoms don’t fit neatly into the other three subtypes.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of IBS is unknown, and there isn’t a cure. The good news is that there are lots of different strategies you can try to manage your symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of IBS
IBS is more common than you might think. It affects around 10 to 15 percent of adults in the United States, though many people go undiagnosed. It tends to affect more women than men and often begins in early adulthood. If you’ve been experiencing a lot of digestive distress and discomfort, there’s a chance that you could have IBS. We’ll go through the most common signs and symptoms of IBS.
Abdominal pain and cramping
One of the most common symptoms of IBS is abdominal pain and cramping. The cramping and pain from IBS normally occur in the lower stomach and can feel like sharp, shooting pains or dull aches. They can range in severity but usually subside after a bowel movement.
Bloating and gas
People with IBS have sensitive guts that are more prone to uncomfortable gas and bloating. The feeling of uncomfortable tightness or fullness in your gut is a tell-tale sign that you’re experiencing this symptom.
Changes in bowel habits
Experiencing changes in your bowel habits is one of the hallmark symptoms of IBS. Whether you’re experiencing diarrhea, constipation or both, uncomfortable changes in bowel movements are a sign you might have IBS. Keep in mind, if you’re finding bloody stool, this is a sign that you could be experiencing some intestinal bleeding and needs to be checked out right away.
When to see a doctor
IBS isn’t a serious condition that leads to more severe digestive diseases or harms the large intestine. Unfortunately, IBS shares a lot of symptoms with a bunch of other digestive system conditions, so seeing a gastroenterologist is important for confirming your symptoms are a sign of something more serious. Here are several more serious conditions that have symptoms in common with IBS:
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition where the pouches on the walls of the large intestine get infected. Things like low fiber intake and genetic predisposition can make you more susceptible to developing diverticulitis.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. If it goes untreated, it can lead to malnutrition or osteoporosis. Following a strict gluten-free diet will help manage symptoms and allow the small intestine to heal.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of different chronic conditions that inflame the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD isn’t curable, but there are medications, lifestyle changes and surgeries that can help manage symptoms.
- Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and is most often slow-growing. If you’re experiencing a lot of painful symptoms, your doctor might have you get a colonoscopy just to be sure your IBS symptoms aren’t something more serious.
Red flags you shouldn’t ignore
The main symptoms that come along with a typical IBS experience likely aren’t something that will lead to bigger problems down the road, but there are some symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important that you get checked out by a doctor right away.
- Unexplained weight loss: If you experience unexplained weight loss along with your other symptoms, you’re likely experiencing something more severe than IBS.
- Rectal bleeding: Rectal bleeding might indicate bleeding through the digestive tract and should be checked out right away.
- Severe or persistent pain: If your pain has become severe enough that it’s getting in the way of your daily activities or keeping you up at night, it’s time to go see a doctor. A gastroenterologist can help you identify what’s causing you pain, and help you come up with a plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Is it IBS or lactose intolerance?
IBS and lactose intolerance can feel very similar. They both cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, but they’re not the same condition. IBS is a chronic disorder that affects how the gut works and can be triggered by stress, food or hormones. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, happens when your body can’t digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by tracking your symptoms. If your discomfort consistently follows meals with milk, cheese or ice cream, lactose may be the culprit. On the other hand, IBS symptoms may occur regardless of dairy intake and can be more unpredictable.
To figure out which one you have, try a short-term dairy elimination or talk to your doctor about a hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance. A medical evaluation can also help confirm whether IBS is to blame.
How to manage your symptoms
While there’s no cure for IBS, the good news is that symptoms can often be managed effectively through a mix of diet, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. The key is figuring out what works best for your body.
Dietary adjustments
Many people with IBS find relief by modifying their diets. One common approach is the low-FODMAP diet, which involves reducing certain types of carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest. These include foods like onions, garlic, beans and some fruits. It's best to follow this plan under a dietitian's guidance to ensure proper nutrition.
Keeping a food diary can also help identify specific trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, fried items or dairy that worsen your symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
Regular physical activity can help regulate digestion and reduce stress, a common IBS trigger. Even light exercises like walking or yoga can make a difference. Sleep is equally important. Aiming for a consistent routine and 7–9 hours each night will help reduce your symptoms.
Stress management
Stress doesn’t cause IBS, but it can certainly make symptoms worse. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, journaling or therapy have been shown to help manage stress-related flare-ups.
Medications and supplements
For some people, over-the-counter remedies like fiber supplements, antidiarrheals or laxatives can help. Others may need prescription medications to manage pain or bowel movements. Probiotics may also support gut health, though effectiveness can vary by individual.
Get the support you need
If you're experiencing the signs and symptoms of IBS, you don't have to navigate it alone. At INTEGRIS Health, our compassionate team of digestive health specialists is here to help you find answers and relief.
Whether you're just starting to notice symptoms or you've been managing IBS for years, our providers offer expert care and personalized treatment plans to support your well-being. From diagnostic testing to dietary guidance and long-term symptom management, we’re committed to helping you feel your best.
Don't let IBS control your life. Schedule an appointment with an INTEGRIS Health provider today and take the first step toward better digestive health and a better quality of life.
