Do I have IBS?

Unexpected, urgent bathroom runs are annoying and disruptive. But if they’re happening frequently, they also can be a sign of a problem. How do you know if your upset stomach is a result of your last meal, too much coffee, or something more?

UR Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology expert Maisa I. Abdalla MD, MPH, shares key signs and symptoms that point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a lifelong condition, but simple daily changes can help manage symptoms.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system, causing gastrointestinal issues.

The condition is often misunderstood by the public. It is more than just an upset stomach.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about IBS is that it’s not a big deal,” says Dr. Abdalla. “IBS is a true medical condition, not merely a trivial digestive issue caused by stress or poor diet. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.”

There are three different types of IBS:

1. IBS-C (IBS with constipation)
2. IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea)
3. IBS-M (mixed)
   
   

What are the symptoms of IBS?

How is IBS diagnosed?

There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis is based on typical IBS symptoms. Your provider may run a few tests to rule out other medical conditions, such as:

• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Parasite infections
  
  

How long do IBS flare-ups last?

IBS flare-ups can last from days to weeks to months. IBS can flare up during times of high stress and can also be triggered by certain foods. Because the syndrome and symptoms are unique to each person, the length of the flare-ups vary greatly.

What’s the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are two completely different medical conditions.

IBD is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the intestine. Unlike IBS, it can be diagnosed through colonoscopy and imaging studies.

There are two main types of IBD:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
  
  

While both IBD and IBS can cause abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, patients with IBD often experience additional symptoms such as rectal bleeding and weight loss.

“IBD increases the risk of colon cancer and is associated with various complications, including anemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and bowel damage, whereas IBS does not carry these risks,” explains Dr. Abdalla.

How to Treat IBS

While there is no cure for IBS, there are ways to help manage symptoms. These might include:

• Dietary changes
• IBS medications targeting specific symptoms

• Stress management (yoga, therapy, meditation)
  
  

There is no "one size fits all" treatment for IBS. What works for one person to manage symptoms might not work for another. To figure out the best treatment plan for you, connect with your healthcare provider.

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