Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Listen to the signals your gut is giving out

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Over half of IBS patients experience fatigue or sleep disturbances, which in turn worsen gastrointestinal symptoms (Image: Canva)

An occasional stomach cramp, or bloating after a meal, maybe common but when these signs become routine, your gut might be trying to tell you something more. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition that often goes undiagnosed.

According to Dr Harshavardhan Rao B., HOD & Consultant, Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, early identification of symptoms can help improve outcomes in IBS, especially when paired with the right lifestyle and medical support. “IBS doesn’t cause visible damage to the digestive system, but it can seriously disrupt daily life,” he says.

The gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS are often mistaken for everyday indigestion or stress. “Changes in diet, sedentary habits, and increasing stress levels are significantly contributing to the rise in IBS cases. The trouble with IBS is that it is similar to many other gastrointestinal issues, which means people often overlook it or delay diagnosis. This only worsens symptoms over time and makes the condition more difficult to manage,” says Dr Rao.

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Early detection of IBS enables effective treatments, like diet changes, physical therapy, and gut-brain therapies, that can greatly improve quality of life. “Mental and digestive health are deeply connected. Managing stress and gut health together can make a big difference,” he says.

Dr Rao suggest 6 warning signs that could mean Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping: If you're experiencing frequent, unexplained pain in your lower abdomen, especially pain that eases after a bowel movement, it may be more than indigestion. IBS pain can be dull or sharp, often triggered by food or emotional stress. According to Dr Rao, it’s likely caused by hypersensitivity of the intestines, sometimes linked to gut microbiome imbalance or dysbiosis.

• Unpredictable bowel habits: Whether it's sudden diarrhoea, stubborn constipation, or switching between both, erratic bowel patterns are a hallmark of IBS. “Such fluctuations indicate how IBS alters intestinal motility and need medical evaluation, especially when they interfere with daily life,” says Dr Rao.

Also read | Irritable bowel symptoms, cure: Best diet plan to avoid bloating, stomach pain

• Bloating and excessive gas: Feeling gassy or noticing your belly swelling as the day goes on? Studies suggest, it is common. “Almost 18 percent of the population experiences weekly bloating. In IBS, this bloating often worsens during the day and isn’t necessarily linked to food intake,” says Dr Rao.

• Mucus in stool: Spotting white or clear mucus in your stool might be a sign of IBS. However, Dr Rao cautions that if this occurs with loose stools, it's important to rule out inflammatory bowel diseases or infections before settling on an IBS diagnosis.

• Fatigue and poor sleep quality: IBS doesn’t just affect the gut, it takes a toll on your energy and sleep. Over half of IBS patients experience fatigue or sleep disturbances, which in turn worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Addressing sleep through therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy for sleep (CBT-I) can greatly improve recovery.

• Emotional triggers and stress: Stress, anxiety, and even mild depression can worsen IBS symptoms, thanks to the gut-brain axis. “The relationship between mental health and gut health is stronger than we think,” explains Dr Rao. Managing mental stress and rebalancing the gut microbiome is often key to symptom relief.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.