Is it gas or irritable bowel syndrome?

Sometimes, gas is the result of your menstrual cycle or your last meal. Other times, gas plus pain and changes in your bowel movements can signal a condition, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the three. Often, it also presents with gas. Research suggests between 10 and 15 percent of people in the United States have the condition. Many don’t realize what they're experiencing could be IBS, so a large number are never diagnosed, and even fewer seek medical treatment.

Here's how to tell if your gas may signal IBS, and what you should do about the discomfort.

Common signs of IBS

IBS has no clear cause. It's defined as pain in the abdomen plus a change in bowel habits—diarrhea, constipation, or both—for three months or more. You needn't wait for that three-month mark to see your healthcare provider (HCP), though. Prompt diagnosis can lead to relief sooner rather than later.

Some other common warning signs of IBS include:

• Bloating
• Cramps
• Mucus in your stool
• Feeling like you haven't finished a bowel movement

Having a lot of gas is another indication of IBS. It's normal to pass gas up to 25 times a day, but if gas is painful or causes uncomfortable bloating, speak with your doctor about ways to get relief. A change in frequency or the presence of other symptoms is also a reason to see your HCP.

Diagnosing and treating IBS

The first step in finding a solution to IBS is making an appointment to see an HCP. During your visit, they will likely ask for a recap of your symptoms and review your personal and family medical history.

Although there is no specific test to identify IBS, in most cases, your HCP will perform a physical exam and may test blood and stool samples. Your visit may also include other tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Such exams might include a colonoscopy, which uses a scope and camera to detect abnormalities in the large intestine.

Following an IBS diagnosis, a number of treatment options may be recommended. Diet and lifestyle changes, like eating more fiber and getting better sleep, can help quell symptoms for some. Medications to manage diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain may also be prescribed.

Stress is a lesser-known but nonetheless important trigger of IBS, so getting everyday tension under control can help ease symptoms, as well. Stress management techniques include exercise, meditation and even a good laugh.

Identifying other conditions

IBS isn't the only condition associated with intestinal gas, though. In fact, a number of ailments, including food sensitivities, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can present with gas. Each of these conditions warrants a prompt trip to your HCP's office, so spotting symptoms—in addition to gas—is important.

Signs of other serious gastrointestinal conditions include:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Feeling like you haven't finished a bowel movement
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Fatigue
• Fullness quickly after eating

Don’t ignore these troubling symptoms. Without exception, bloody stool should be evaluated by a physician. If other symptoms persist beyond a few days, arise suddenly, become frequent, or cause you concern, make an appointment to speak with your HCP. Keep a detailed list of your symptoms in the meantime.

Living with routine gas

Sometimes, gas is just gas. It can be caused by high-fiber foods, certain antibiotics, or many other things. Often, the best way to relieve it is to treat the underlying cause of the problem, like identifying and avoiding foods you know make your gut unhappy. Chewing your food more slowly or taking a leisurely walk after each meal could help, as well.

Routine gas will likely remedy itself, but you shouldn't ignore telltale signs of a problem, like IBS. Seek prompt treatment for any symptoms that don’t subside on their own.