You may be aware that IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a long term health condition that originates from the large intestine and is characterised by pains and change in bowel habits.

IBS is categorised as a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and there are no structural or biochemical abnormalities, which explain the condition.

Care to know how you will be able to identify this condition? What are its symptoms?

In this blog by Karetrip, we will explain the common signs, possible causes and how people with IBS experience these symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a long term health condition that originates from the large intestine and is characterised by pains and change in bowel habits. While not a lethal condition, IBS is devastating when it comes to one’s quality of life as it is rife with continuous and unpredictable symptoms.

Well it is suggested to be caused by things such as changes in bowel movement, disconnection of the gut and brain, loose intestinal sensitivity and stress.

Common Symptoms of IBS

Abdominal Pain and Cramping‌

IBS is commonly diagnosed through clinical presentation and exclusion of other pathology; the cardinal feature of which is abdominal pain and discomfort that is improved by defecation.

This pain can be ranging from mild to severe that can make a person be uncomfortable by stinging pain and burning sensations. A lot of IBS sufferers say that its manifestation is a more or less constant low pain or sharp cramping like pain in the lower part of the stomach that may move around the organ.

The nature of IBS pain varies; the pain intensifies after eating, and it may be elicited by certain food types, stress or hormonal changes in women. The pain is due to unhealthy contractions of the bowels, which may make a bowel movement either too slow or too quick or involuntary.

Treatment Options

• There are recommendations to use antispasmodics, which are available without prescription, to decrease the pain.

• It is very advisable to avoid foods that trigger the situation such as caffeine, fatty foods and carbonated beverages.

• Yoga or other advanced practices are recommended for the t in case of flare-ups due to stress.

Bloating and gas

IBS is also characterised by conditions such as bloating and gas which are rather severe especially after a meal. There is common presentation of dysphagia and abdominal fullness and the patients often present with visibly swollen abdomen. It can prove to be painful and or embarrassed especially when the condition is accompanied by flatulence.

Bloating often occurs because of a disturbance in the gut microbiome, leading to excessive fermentation of food. Additionally, in IBS, the muscles of the gut may not function properly, leading to gas retention.

Tips to Manage Bloating

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent excessive bloating.

• Avoiding foods known to produce gas, such as beans, lentils, and certain vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) may provide relief.

• Probiotics have shown some benefit in improving gut health and reducing gas production.

Diarrhoea (IBS-D)

Diarrhoea is one of the two primary bowel movement disturbances associated with IBS, the other being constipation. Patients with IBS-D (Diarrhoea-predominant IBS) often experience frequent, loose stools, sometimes immediately after eating. This urgency can be severe, making it difficult for individuals to leave home or engage in activities without knowing the location of the nearest bathroom.

Diarrhoea in IBS is believed to be caused by rapid intestinal motility, meaning that food passes through the digestive system too quickly for water to be absorbed. The stool, as a result, remains loose and watery.

Managing IBS-D

• Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide can help slow down bowel movements.

• A low FODMAP diet (reducing certain fermentable carbohydrates) has been effective in managing diarrhoea symptoms.

• Identifying and avoiding trigger foods like dairy, gluten, or artificial sweeteners may also reduce episodes.

Constipation

On the opposite end of the spectrum, IBS can also present as constipation-predominant IBS . In these cases, individuals struggle with infrequent, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools. Bowel movements may be accompanied by straining, discomfort, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, which can add to the frustration and discomfort.

Constipation in IBS is related to slow bowel transit, meaning food moves too slowly through the intestines, allowing excessive water absorption and resulting in hard stools. This form of IBS can be equally distressing as diarrhoea-predominant IBS due to the constant feeling of fullness and bloating.

Managing IBS-C

• Increasing dietary fibre (through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help soften stools, though fibre should be increased gradually to prevent bloating.

• Drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can promote regular bowel movements.

• Laxatives or prescription medications that help increase intestinal motility may be necessary in some cases.

Alternating Constipation and Diarrhoea

Some individuals experience both constipation and diarrhoea, known as mixed-type IBS (IBS-M). These patients alternate between periods of constipation and diarrhoea, sometimes within the same day or week. This unpredictability can be especially challenging, as it makes planning and managing symptoms more difficult.

The combination of rapid and slow intestinal motility is believed to cause these fluctuations. Understanding individual patterns and triggers can help manage this form of IBS, though treatment often requires a more tailored approach.

Tips for Managing IBS-M

• Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify triggers that lead to diarrhoea or constipation episodes.

• A balanced diet that includes both soluble and insoluble fibre can help regulate bowel movements.

• Medications designed to regulate bowel function, such as antispasmodics or fibre supplements, may be helpful.

Mucus in Stool

Another lesser-known symptom of IBS is the presence of mucus in the stool. Mucus is a clear, sticky substance that lines the intestines to help with stool passage. In IBS, it is common to see more visible mucus than usual, especially during bowel movements. Although it is not necessarily dangerous, it can be concerning for those who experience it.

The excess mucus may result from the irritation and inflammation of the bowel lining that occurs in IBS. It can also be a sign of gut inflammation or motility issues.

Managing Mucus in Stool

• If mucus is present in stool alongside other symptoms like blood or severe pain, it’s essential to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• A balanced diet and proper hydration can help normalise stool consistency and reduce mucus production.

• Medical consultation is advised if mucus in the stool becomes a frequent or persistent issue.

Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping

Although IBS is primarily a gastrointestinal disorder, many patients report experiencing fatigue and poor sleep quality. Chronic pain, discomfort, and stress from managing symptoms can lead to disrupted sleep patterns. Additionally, individuals with IBS are more likely to suffer from conditions like fibromyalgia, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue.

Fatigue in IBS is thought to be related to the body’s increased sensitivity to pain and stress, which can lead to an overactive fight-or-flight response. Sleep disturbances are often due to abdominal pain or frequent trips to the bathroom.

Tips for Managing Fatigue

• Developing a regular sleep routine, including consistent bedtimes and creating a relaxing bedtime environment, can improve sleep quality.

• Regular exercise and stress management techniques, like mindfulness and deep breathing, can also reduce fatigue and promote restful sleep.

• Addressing IBS symptoms directly through proper medical treatment and dietary adjustments can help improve overall energy levels.

Anxiety and Depression

Living with IBS can take a toll on mental health. The chronic nature of the disorder, combined with the unpredictability of symptoms, often leads to anxiety and depression. Many individuals with IBS develop a fear of public places or social situations where access to a bathroom may be limited.

This mental distress is exacerbated by the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system . Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, while IBS symptoms can worsen mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle.

Managing Mental Health in IBS

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been effective in managing IBS-related anxiety and depression by helping individuals develop coping strategies.

• Medications, such as low-dose antidepressants, can help alleviate both the mental health symptoms and the physical pain associated with IBS.

• Regular physical activity, mindfulness meditation, and support groups can also improve emotional well-being.