In this guide
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common functional bowel disorder. Patients may have abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or alternating bowel habits. IBS is treatable, but warning symptoms must be ruled out.
Key Takeaways
- Abdominal cramps relieved after passing stool
- Bloating or gas
- Constipation, diarrhea or mixed bowel pattern
- Urgency after meals
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Common IBS symptoms
IBS symptoms often come and go and may worsen with stress, irregular meals or certain foods.
- Abdominal cramps relieved after passing stool
- Bloating or gas
- Constipation, diarrhea or mixed bowel pattern
- Urgency after meals
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
When it may not be simple IBS
Warning signs suggest the need for evaluation to rule out infection, colitis, celiac disease, polyps or other bowel disease.
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or night symptoms
- Anemia or low hemoglobin
- New symptoms after age 45-50
- Family history of colon cancer or IBD
Diet and lifestyle approach
Treatment may include meal timing, fiber planning, hydration, sleep correction, stress management and selected medicines. A strict diet should not be started without guidance.
Tests that may be advised
Depending on symptoms, the doctor may advise blood tests, stool tests, celiac testing, ultrasound, colonoscopy or other evaluation.