Bloating, cramping, running to the bathroom — or not going at all? It might be irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a common digestive issue that can be tricky to pin down.
To help you get some clarity, Anant Agarwalla, MD, a gastroenterologist at Hartford HealthCare’s Digestive Health Institute, explains what to watch for, how to feel better, and when it’s time to check in with your doctor.
1. Abdominal pain.
Crampy belly pain is one of the most common signs of IBS. It can show up anywhere in your abdomen and often feels better after a bowel movement.
“Stress, anxiety, your period or certain foods – like dairy or spicy meals – can make it worse,” says Dr. Agarwalla.
If the pain is severe, wakes you up, or comes with weight loss, vomiting or fever, check in with your doctor.
> Related: 9 Things to Know About Lactose Intolerance
2. Diarrhea.
With IBS, diarrhea often means frequent, loose stools that hit with urgency.
“Even when you rush to the bathroom, sometimes, it still feels like you didn’t fully go,” says Dr. Agarwalla. “It can be pretty frustrating to manage.”
Talk to your doctor if you see blood or black stool, lose weight, have more than three stools a day, or if diarrhea wakes you up from sleep.
3. Constipation.
Constipation with IBS can feel like you’re going less often or struggling to go at all. You might also feel like you’re not fully emptying, even after a bowel movement.
“Hard stools, straining or going just a few times a week are all signs of constipation,” says Dr. Agarwalla. “Drinking more water or using an over-the-counter stool softener may help get things moving.”
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in several days or notice bleeding or unexpected weight loss, check in with your care team.
> Related: 9 Common Causes of Constipation
4. Gas and bloating.
Gas is one of the most common – and most frustrating – IBS symptoms. It can cause bloating, cramping and frequent belching or passing gas.
Gas may be triggered by certain foods, eating too quickly or stress.
“Some patients describe it as a balloon in their belly that won’t go away,” says Dr. Agarwalla. “It can be uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious.”
6 ways you can manage IBS.
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for IBS – but a few small changes can make a big difference.
“Diet, stress and even how fast you eat can all play a role,” says Dr. Agarwalla.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Avoid common triggers like dairy, high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners.
- Add soluble fiber slowly, especially if diarrhea is your main symptom.
- Try calming options like ginger, peppermint oil or chamomile.
- Consider a low FODMAP diet.
- Keep a food diary to track patterns and triggers.
- Don’t underestimate stress – managing anxiety can help your gut, too.
> Want more health news? Text StartHere to 85209 to sign up for text alerts
Do you need extra support?
IBS looks different for everyone. Most people have some mix of pain and bowel changes – but the pattern can vary.
Some deal mostly with diarrhea, others with constipation and some bounce between the two. It’s also normal for one symptom to stand out more than the rest.
“There are good and bad days with IBS,” says Dr. Agarwalla. “Lifestyle changes can make a big difference, but you don’t need to deal with it alone. Your doctor can help you find the right tools to manage symptoms and feel more in control.”
