Diagnosing certain conditions can pose challenges, particularly when they exhibit a wide variety of symptoms that manifest in different ways. Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, falls into the category of such perplexing conditions. In this article, we will breaks down the symptoms of IBS you should watch out for.

Prolonged Belly Pain

Indications of IBS encompass experiencing abdominal pain for an average of at least one day per week over a three-month period.

As you are likely aware, abdominal pain can arise due to a variety of factors, ranging from food-related issues like food poisoning to conditions such as ulcers or kidney stones. Maintaining a record of your specific symptoms and the circumstances surrounding the onset of pain will assist your healthcare provider in narrowing down potential causes.

Bloating, Cramping or Excess Gas

People often joke about having a "food baby" following a substantial meal, but when bloating, cramps, and gas become severe, they cease to be a source of amusement. In reality, trapped gas can induce chest pain of such intensity that individuals may mistakenly believe they are experiencing a heart attack.

Changes in Bowel Frequency

Each individual has their unique "normal" when it comes to bowel movements, but as a general guideline, a healthy range typically falls between three times a week and three times a day.

Should you notice a sudden and significant change in your frequency (either more or less frequent), it's a signal to consult with your healthcare provider. Similarly, if you're experiencing heightened urgency or accidents, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Rest assured, you're not alone in facing these issues.

Changes in Stool Shape, Size or Consistency

While it may not be the most appetizing dinner topic, alterations in the qualities of your stool merit a conversation with your healthcare provider. If you've observed your stool becoming either excessively watery or hard, or if you're detecting clear or white mucus in the mix, it could be indicative of the presence of IBS.

Diarrhea, Constipation or a Combination of the Two

There are three distinct types of IBS: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). These various types are approximately equally prevalent.

It's essential to note that you don't need to have persistent diarrhea and/or constipation to be diagnosed with IBS. Rather, you must experience these symptoms regularly over an extended duration.

Anxiety and/or Depression

Out of all the IBS symptoms we've outlined here, this one often catches people by surprise, though perhaps it shouldn't. We're aware of the profound connection between our brain and our gut, and many of us have encountered instances of nervous poops and stress-induced nausea at some point.

The relationship between anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and IBS makes sense intuitively, but the nature of this connection remains unclear. Is it our mental health influencing our gut health, or the other way around? It's worth noting that IBS can itself be a source of stress, particularly in situations beyond our control.

To add to the complexity, certain medications for anxiety and depression can alleviate IBS symptoms, while others may exacerbate them. This adds yet another reason to consult your healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis.

Food Intolerance

Many individuals with IBS can pinpoint certain trigger foods that exacerbate their symptoms. The most frequently identified culprits belong to the FODMAP category: fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

FODMAPs encompass carbohydrates that pose challenges for digestion, specifically, fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, and polyols.

It's not uncommon for individuals to develop intolerance to one or more of these carbohydrates. For instance, research indicates that up to 70% of people may become lactose intolerant as they age. In other words, having an intolerance doesn't equate to having IBS, but it's often the case that individuals with IBS also have food intolerances.

Fatigue and Sleep Issues

Are you fed up with constantly battling fatigue and discomfort? Have you ever observed that your gastrointestinal symptoms tend to worsen after a night of poor sleep?

Although the exact reasons remain unclear, research indicates that more than 50% of individuals coping with IBS also grapple with fatigue and sleep disturbances. It's a relentless cycle: Sleep of subpar quality can trigger a flare-up, which, in turn, further disrupts your sleep.

Treating IBS in Maryland

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of IBS consistently, Bowie Internal Medicine is here to help. Please contact our office to set up a consultation.