What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects how the large intestine (colon) functions. IBS is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the digestive tract looks normal but does not function normally. It can cause recurring abdominal pain along with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both.
Unlike inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, IBS does not cause inflammation, permanent damage to the intestines, or increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Although IBS is a chronic condition, many people successfully manage their symptoms with healthy lifestyle changes, stress management, dietary modifications, and medications when needed.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about IBS, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Explains what IBS is, common symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
How Common Is IBS?
IBS is one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide. It affects an estimated 10% to 15% of adults, although many people never receive a formal diagnosis. IBS is more common in women than men and often develops before the age of 50.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Provides information about how common IBS is and who is most likely to develop it.
What Symptoms Might You Notice?
IBS symptoms vary from person to person and often come and go over time.
Common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Excess gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Mucus in the stool
- Feeling that bowel movements are incomplete
- Symptoms that improve after a bowel movement
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination. IBS is usually diagnosed using symptom-based criteria called the Rome IV criteria after other conditions have been ruled out when appropriate.
Additional testing may be recommended if you have warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, or symptoms that begin later in life.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Explains how IBS is diagnosed and when additional testing may be recommended.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) infographic – click to enlarge
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Researchers believe several factors work together to affect how the digestive system functions.
Possible causes and contributing factors include:
- Changes in communication between the brain and intestines (brain-gut interaction)
- Abnormal intestinal muscle contractions
- Increased sensitivity of the intestines
- Previous gastrointestinal infections
- Changes in the gut microbiome
- Stress
- Family history
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Learn about the possible causes and risk factors associated with IBS.
What Can Make IBS Worse?
Many people notice that certain foods or situations trigger their IBS symptoms.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Large meals
- Fatty or greasy foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
- Certain high-FODMAP foods
- Menstrual hormone changes in some women
Learn More
IBS Diet – Monash University
https://www.monashfodmap.com/ibs-central/
Provides evidence-based information about the low-FODMAP diet and common IBS triggers.
Prevention
Although IBS cannot always be prevented, healthy lifestyle habits may reduce symptoms and decrease the frequency of flare-ups.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Eat regular, balanced meals.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Identify and avoid personal food triggers.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage stress.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine if they worsen symptoms.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Provides practical recommendations for managing IBS and reducing symptom flare-ups.
Labs
There is no single laboratory test that diagnoses IBS. However, laboratory testing may be performed to rule out other medical conditions.
Common laboratory tests may include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia or infection.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Evaluates kidney function, liver function, and electrolytes.
- Celiac Disease Blood Tests: May be recommended, especially in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): May help rule out inflammatory bowel disease.
- Stool Studies: May be ordered to evaluate for infection, inflammation, or blood.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html
Provides information about testing commonly used when evaluating IBS.
Diagnostics
Additional testing is usually performed only when symptoms suggest another digestive condition or if warning signs are present.
Common diagnostic tests may include:
- Colonoscopy: May be recommended based on your age, symptoms, family history, or colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower portion of the colon in selected patients.
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): May be recommended if upper digestive symptoms are present.
- Breath Testing: May be used to evaluate lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in selected patients.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Learn about the tests that may be used to evaluate IBS and rule out other digestive disorders.
Treatment & Management
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and identifying individual triggers. Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and whether constipation, diarrhea, or both are present.
Treatment options may include:
- Dietary changes
- Low-FODMAP diet
- Stress management
- Regular physical activity
- Fiber supplements
- Medications for diarrhea or constipation
- Antispasmodic medications
- Medications that target IBS symptoms
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Provides information about treatment options and long-term management of IBS.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle habits often play a major role in improving IBS symptoms.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
- Eat regular meals.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Increase fiber gradually if recommended.
- Consider a low-FODMAP diet under the guidance of a healthcare provider or dietitian.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage stress.
- Get enough sleep.
- Keep a food and symptom diary.
- Take medications exactly as prescribed.
Learn More
Low-FODMAP Diet – Monash University
https://www.monashfodmap.com/
Provides evidence-based information about the low-FODMAP diet and managing IBS symptoms.
Medications
Several medications can help manage IBS symptoms. The best choice depends on whether your symptoms are primarily diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or a combination of these.
Common medications include:
- Fiber Supplements: May help improve constipation and regulate bowel movements.
- Laxatives: May be recommended for constipation-predominant IBS.
- Antidiarrheal Medications: Such as loperamide, to help control diarrhea.
- Antispasmodic Medications: Help reduce intestinal muscle spasms and abdominal cramping.
- Prescription IBS Medications: Such as linaclotide, plecanatide, lubiprostone, rifaximin, eluxadoline, or tenapanor for selected patients depending on the type of IBS.
- Low-Dose Antidepressants: May help reduce abdominal pain and improve communication between the brain and digestive tract in some individuals.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Provides information about medications commonly used to treat IBS.
Procedures
Most people with IBS do not require surgery or invasive procedures. Treatment usually focuses on dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and medications. However, certain procedures or tests may be recommended to rule out other digestive conditions or evaluate persistent symptoms.
Common procedures may include:
- Colonoscopy: May be recommended if you have rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anemia, a family history of colorectal cancer, or are due for routine colorectal cancer screening.
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): May be performed if symptoms suggest a problem involving the upper digestive tract.
- Hydrogen or Methane Breath Testing: May help diagnose lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in selected patients.
- Anorectal Manometry: Measures how well the muscles and nerves of the rectum and anus work and may be recommended for certain people with chronic constipation.
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Learn about the procedures and tests that may be used to evaluate IBS and rule out other digestive conditions.
What Should You Expect Long-Term?
IBS is a long-term condition, but it does not damage the intestines or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Symptoms often come and go, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups. Many people successfully manage IBS through healthy lifestyle changes, identifying personal triggers, stress reduction, and medications when needed.
Working closely with your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan that improves your symptoms and quality of life.
What Can You Do At Home?
Daily self-care can significantly improve IBS symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Helpful tips include:
- Eat meals on a regular schedule.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods.
- Consider a low-FODMAP diet with guidance from your healthcare provider or dietitian.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or counseling if needed.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take medications exactly as prescribed.
- Keep regular healthcare appointments.
Learn More
Low-FODMAP Diet – Monash University
https://www.monashfodmap.com/
Provides evidence-based guidance on using the low-FODMAP diet to help manage IBS symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
IBS is a functional digestive disorder that does not cause inflammation or permanent damage to the intestines. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, cause chronic inflammation and can damage the digestive tract.
Can stress make IBS worse?
Yes. Stress and anxiety commonly trigger or worsen IBS symptoms in many people.
Can certain foods trigger IBS symptoms?
Yes. Trigger foods vary from person to person. Common triggers include fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, dairy products for some people, and certain high-FODMAP foods.
Does IBS increase my risk of colon cancer?
No. IBS does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Can exercise help IBS?
Yes. Regular physical activity may improve bowel function, reduce stress, and lessen IBS symptoms.
Questions To Ask Your Provider
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
- What type of IBS do I have?
- What foods are most likely to trigger my symptoms?
- Should I try a low-FODMAP diet?
- Do I need additional testing?
- What medications are best for my symptoms?
- Should I see a dietitian?
- When should I schedule a follow-up appointment?
Specialist Referrals
Many people with IBS receive care from their primary care provider. Depending on your symptoms and treatment response, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
- Gastroenterologist: Specializes in digestive system disorders and IBS management.
- Registered Dietitian: Helps develop a personalized nutrition plan and guides the low-FODMAP diet.
- Mental Health Professional: Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors that may contribute to IBS symptoms.
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: May help individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction or chronic constipation.
Learn More
American College of Gastroenterology – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Provides patient education about IBS, treatment options, and specialty care.
Is IBS Curable?
There is currently no cure for IBS. However, many people successfully manage their symptoms with dietary changes, stress management, regular physical activity, and medications when needed.
Symptoms often improve over time, and many people are able to lead healthy, active lives with an individualized treatment plan.
Emergency Symptoms / When To Seek Immediate Help
IBS itself does not usually cause medical emergencies. However, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain that is sudden or worsening
- Persistent vomiting
- Black or tarry stools
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Difficulty staying awake
- Confusion
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fever
- Blood in your stool
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep regularly
- New symptoms beginning after age 50
- Persistent diarrhea leading to dehydration
Learn More
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html
Learn when IBS symptoms require medical evaluation and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Official Resources / External Links
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html
Easy-to-understand information about IBS, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
Comprehensive information about IBS, treatment options, nutrition, and long-term management.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Evidence-based patient education about IBS, medications, dietary recommendations, and specialty care.
Monash University – Low-FODMAP Diet
https://www.monashfodmap.com/
Reliable information about the low-FODMAP diet and evidence-based nutrition strategies for managing IBS.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or your treatment plan is no longer controlling your IBS. Call 911 immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, black stools, persistent vomiting, confusion, or another medical emergency.
Get personalized care for IBS
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.