If irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is causing you frequent discomfort, you should see a gastroenterologist, particularly if you are over the age of 50, as you may have other digestive issues that should not be ignored. Let’s look at IBS symptoms and what warrants a trip to a gastroenterology clinic.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a collection of mild, moderate, or severe lower GI (large intestine or bowel) symptoms that come and go. Some of the many millions of American sufferers experience intense flare-ups while others go through remissions of varying lengths.
Common IBS symptoms include:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Bloating
However, as the condition worsens, patients have experienced more intense cramping, bloody stools with or without mucous, poor appetite, and weight loss.
While the exact causes of these distressing symptoms differ from person to person, some commonalities are:
- Increased stress at home or on the job
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Eating fatty or spicy foods
- Drinking carbonated, sugary beverages
- Consuming dairy products
- Smoking
- Maintaining a low fiber diet
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
The providers at your area GI clinic will recommend that you track your symptoms in a journal. Be sure to indicate what seems to worsen or improve symptoms. This information will help your GI specialist determine what testing and treatments would be best for your unique case.
What to Do When IBS Becomes Severe
Sometimes IBS worsens for no reason at all. Research indicates that there may be poor communication between the large intestine and the brain when this occurs.
However, whatever the cause, seek help from your gastroenterologist if you experience these severe IBS symptoms:
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain, especially at night
- Diarrhea at night
- Very frequent bowel movements
- Pain not alleviated by a bowel movement
- Copious gas
- Anemia
