Is My Stomach Pain IBS? Here’s How To Know

If you have (or think you have) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you know how challenging the symptoms are to manage. And they come at the worst times, don’t they?

No one knows exactly what causes this abdominal discomfort, pain, bloating and sudden changes in your bowel habits. And IBS triggers aren’t always consistent and can even vary for the same person. For instance, you may eat a salad one day and feel fine, but the next day, the greens can cause an attack. For another person, milk is often a trigger.

IBS may be a bit of a mystery, but that doesn’t mean it’s untreatable.

Gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, breaks down what IBS feels like, what symptoms you should be concerned about and how to feel better.

What does IBS pain feel like?

In the world of stomachaches related to IBS, there are a few different sensations you can experience, including:

• Sharp or stabbing. Some people experience sharp or stabbing pains.
• Dull and achy. It can also be a dull, achy sensation.
• Fluctuating intensity. The intensity of the pain can vary, sometimes being mild and other times being quite severe.
• Abdominal fullness or bloating discomfort. The intensity can also vary in a wide range, from mild to very severe.
• Sudden extreme fecal urgency. IBS can cause anxiety when you’re in remote places where bathrooms may not be readily available.
• Explosive crampy diarrhea. This can cause hesitations in making travel plans due to the unpredictability of this symptom.

IBS goes beyond just your occasional tummy ache. Doctors diagnose IBS when someone has three or more bouts of unexplained abdominal discomfort and pain (such as bloating, cramping and diarrhea) for at least three months in a row with clear periods of no symptoms in between bouts.

The most common signs of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping. This is often relieved by passing stool and may be associated with bowel movements.
• Bloating and swelling. Your belly might feel full and swollen.
• Gas. Increased gas can be uncomfortable or hard to control.
• Diarrhea. Frequent, loose or watery stools.
• Constipation. Difficulty passing stools or having infrequent bowel movements.
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation. You may experience both diarrhea and constipation, sometimes, in alternating episodes.

If you think you have IBS or you’re struggling to manage your condition, your healthcare provider can help you avoid common mistakes and find effective ways to help manage this condition.

If you’re not sure where to start, make an appointment with a healthcare provider and express your concerns. Your doctor may order a blood test, stool samples and a colonoscopy to exclude other possible diagnoses.

Where do you feel IBS pain?

IBS pain is typically felt in the abdomen, also known as your belly.

Because the abdomen covers a lot of ground in your body, the specific location and nature of your pain can vary in the following areas:

• Lower abdomen. Many people with IBS report pain in the lower part of their abdomen, especially around the lower left side.
• Upper abdomen. Some people may feel pain in their upper abdominal region. 
• Generalized abdominal pain. The pain can also be widespread and felt throughout your entire abdomen.

Managing IBS aches and pains

The best way to address and treat your IBS is to see a healthcare provider. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in digestive disorders. In some cases, you can also get help for your IBS by seeing a dietitian, who can help you develop a personalized meal plan to help reduce symptoms.

Additionally, there is more you can do to manage and relieve your IBS aches and pains on a daily basis.

“Stress, anxiety, travel, new medications and negative emotions also can make your IBS symptoms worse,” explains Dr. Lee. “That’s why it’s so important to find ways to relax or even make more significant life or job changes if needed.”

Some things to try:

• Regularly exercising. Physical activity can help regulate bowel movements and reduce stress, which can alleviate symptoms.
• Adjusting your diet. If you do have IBS, you can try a low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols saccharides — are carbohydrates that may not digest or absorb well in your intestines. Following a low-FODMAP diet means limiting servings of milk (and other foods that contain lactose), fruits, broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables), and legumes or beans.
• Managing your stress. Find a way to relax and keep your stress to a minimum. Techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness can help manage stress, which is a common trigger for IBS symptoms.
• Getting enough sleep. Make sure you're getting enough sleep — your digestive system will thank you. Poor sleep can amplify those nasty IBS symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

The bottom line

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of IBS is crucial for managing this common yet complex condition. If you suspect you have IBS, talking with a healthcare professional is the first step toward feeling better and not letting the condition take over your life.

Together, you’ll develop a treatment plan. And, with lifestyle changes like making dietary adjustments, staying active and keeping hydrated, you’ll be able to maintain your quality of life.