April is IBS Awareness Month, a month dedicated to educating the public about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, its symptoms, and treatment methods. It is estimated that IBS affects between 10-15% of the population in the US, a shocking 20 to 45 million people. Although it’s one of the most common GI disorders in existence, IBS often goes undiagnosed. Many people struggle to recognize the symptoms of IBS, and oftentimes those who do notice that they’re experiencing symptoms still don’t know to associate them with IBS. Today we’ll talk you through what IBS is, as well as common IBS symptoms you should look out for.
What Is IBS?
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms affecting the gut and bowel. It’s the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, and the one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians. Although it’s unknown what causes IBS, the disease is typically characterized by stomach discomfort and abnormalities in bowel habits, with patients either going to the bathroom more often than normal or not enough, as well as experiencing a different type of stool. While IBS is not a life-threatening condition, it is a chronic condition that can affect how many people lead their lives.
Symptoms of IBS
While only a small percentage of people with IBS experience severe signs and symptoms, others experience more moderate symptoms regularly. Regardless of how mild or severe your IBS is, the symptoms of IBS, which can differ from person to person, can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms of IBS:
Abdominal pain or cramping. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of IBS. Pain and cramping associated with IBS typically occurs in the lower abdomen or the entire abdomen, but rarely occurs just in the upper abdomen. Most IBS patients find that abdominal pain subsidies after a bowel movement.
Gas and bloating. Changes in the digestion process due to IBS can lead to an increased production of gas in the gut, which often causes uncomfortable bloating. Avoiding gluten and lactose, as well as staying away from fatty foods, can sometimes help alleviate gas and bloating.
Constipation. Constipation-predominant IBS is the most common type of IBS, affecting nearly half the people with IBS. This is usually defined by having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
Diarrhea. One-third of patients with IBS have diarrhea-predominant IBS, which is characterized by 10+ loose bowel movements per week.
Changes in your stool. Some patients with IBS experience a higher production of mucous in their stool. This isn’t as common a symptom as the others listed above, but is something to keep an eye out for.
IBS affects tens of millions of Americans, and when left unmanaged it can be a source of frustration and discomfort for patients. If you’re experiencing one or several IBS symptoms and think you may have the condition, schedule an appointment with an IBS specialist. Our doctors can walk you through the entire process, from diagnosis to treatment options and a tailored plan for how to manage your IBS.