Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What are symptoms of IBS?

The most well-known IBS symptoms include abdominal pain and abnormal bowel changes. Some people experience symptoms continuously, while others may have symptoms that occur periodically.

Signs and symptoms of IBS may include:

• Abdominal pain that:

  • comes and goes

  • is reduced or relieved after a bowel movement

  • occurs after meals

• Bloating and gas

• Cramping

• Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain

• Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain

IBS symptoms may be mild or progress to interfere with daily activities. Emotional distress may make IBS symptoms worse over time.

If gastrointestinal symptoms persist and are affecting your quality of life, talk to your primary care provider or ask about a referral to a gastroenterologist. A gastrointestinal specialist can help you better understand your symptoms and how to manage them. They can also help you rule out other serious conditions, such as cancer.

What causes IBS?

IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), which means it’s caused by abnormal communication between the GI tract and the brain. Impaired coordination between the gut and the brain can lead to functional issues, causing diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

We don’t know exactly why some people get IBS. Women tend to be affected by IBS more than men. Other risk factors may include a history of:

• Infections in the digestive tract

• Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions

• IBS in your family genetics

• Depression or anxiety

• Stress and certain foods can make IBS symptoms worse but are not the underlying cause of the symptoms.

How is IBS diagnosed?

Our MedStar Health IBS experts are committed to finding the right diagnosis so you can feel at ease with answers. Our healthcare providers begin the diagnostic process by conducting a physical exam and asking thorough questions about your medical history, including your family history and current symptoms. These questions may include:

• Are you experiencing pain before, during, or after bowel movements?
• How often do you experience symptoms?
• When did your symptoms begin?
• Are you taking any medications?
• Have you felt more stress than usual lately?

There are no specific lab or imaging tests used to diagnose IBS. However, your provider may order several tests to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Types of IBS

If you are diagnosed with IBS, your provider may categorize your condition based on your bowel symptoms. The types of IBS include:

• IBS with constipation

• IBS with diarrhea

• IBS with a combination of both constipation and diarrhea

These classifications are important to ensuring the right treatment approach.

How are IBS symptoms treated?

We take a comprehensive approach to treatment, considering different options to find what will work best for you. Treatment will vary for each individual but often involves one or more of the following:

• Nutrition changes: Lifestyle modifications, such as what and how often you eat, can help to alleviate IBS symptoms. Keeping a food diary may be one way you can help identify what kinds of foods aggravate your symptoms. A dietitian may be involved in your care to help you understand how certain foods impact your gut so you can find relief by avoiding or limiting them.

• Support for emotional well-being: The nervous system and gut are strongly connected, which is why symptoms can worsen with stress. Exercise and structured therapy are excellent outlets for coping with emotional stress, anxiety, or depression. In addition, meditation, yoga, and other de-stressing techniques can help you navigate stressful life events that may be contributing to your IBS symptoms.

• Medication: Several medications are available to relieve IBS symptoms like constipation or diarrhea. These may include laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, relaxants that ease cramping, and others. Each medication comes with its own side effect profile, risks, and benefits. Finding the right IBS medication(s) may take some trial and error, and your doctor will finetune a medication regimen that is right for you.