What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

Here’s what to look for if you suspect you have irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome, aka IBS, has a reputation for being a health condition that causes diarrhoea. But IBS is actually a lot more complicated than that, and most people don’t realise that there are actually several types of the condition.

With that, the symptoms of IBS can be a little difficult to tell from your run of the mill GI issues, even with a look at the Bristol Stool Chart—at least, on your own. Still, if you have a general notion of what IBS is and what it can look like, you can at least have an idea of what’s going on when you check in with your doctor for a consult.

So, what are the symptoms of IBS and could you be dealing with them? Here’s what you need to know.

What is IBS and what are the types?

IBS is a condition that impacts your large intestine, according to Health Direct. IBS is caused by an issue with the way that your gut and brain work together. That can cause your gut to be more sensitive and cause changes in the way the muscles in your bowel contract.

There are three different types of IBS:

  • IBS-D: This is marked by the presence of diarrhoea, where more than a quarter of your poop is loose or water on days when you have abnormal bowel movements.

  • IBS-C: The “C” in IBS-C stands for "constipation" and means that a quarter of your abnormal bowel movements are hard or lumpy.

  • IBS-M: IBS-M is a mix of BMs, where at least of a quarter of your abnormal poops are diarrhoea and another quarter are constipation or hard, lumpy stools.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The symptoms of IBS vary by type. But, in general, Dietitians Australia says you can expect the following with IBS:

Health Direct also mentions the following symptoms:

  • Changes in the appearance of your poop

  • Changes in how often you have a bowel movement

How can you tell IBS symptoms from “regular” diarrhoea or constipation?

The big key with IBS is patterns, says gastroenterologist Dr Ellen Stein. “Irritable bowel syndrome tends to be more of a consistent, long-standing pattern,” she says. “It’s not usually acute. It’s happening consistently off and on for a few months.” IBS symptoms are also usually related to things like your stress levels and what you’re eating, Dr Stein says.

You may have IBS if you have consistent changes from your regular bowel habits, says gastroenterologist Dr Randy Meisner. But, he says, that can look different for everyone. “A normal bowel movement pattern is anywhere from three a day to three a week,” Dr Meisner says.

But those changes have to be consistent, says gastroenterologist Dr Ashkan Farhadi. “If you have one day of diarrhoea every two or three months, that is likely food- or environment-related and is not IBS,” he says. “But if you have it over and over at least three times a week and it happens for three months, you can say that it might be IBS.”

What to do if you suspect you have IBS

If you’re having symptoms of IBS, it’s important to see your doctor to get evaluated. A treatment plan could include changes in your diet, such as increasing fibre intake. “There are so many things we can do to make you feel better,” Dr Stein says. “Your quality of life will improve once you get the right treatment. Make sure you don’t ignore your symptoms and get seen.”

© prevention.com

Rachel Mcnamara