Is it just an upset stomach—or IBS?
Many of us will get an upset tummy every now and then due to dietary indiscretion. Medically, it is known as gastroenteritis, or food poisoning. Harmful bacteria in poorly prepared or stored food causes bowel infection leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, bloatedness, nausea and vomiting. An upset stomach usually gets better on its own with rest after a few days and the person’s bowel function returns to the normal self pretty much immediately. In persons with IBS, they typically have upset stomachs continuously almost every day for months or years. Each attack may be triggered by stress or a variety of food. The common symptoms of IBS include bloatedness, abdominal cramps, excessive gas, diarrhoea or constipation.
Common IBS symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Excessive gas
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or both
Why do people develop IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. IBS may develop after an episode of upset stomach or food poisoning. This is a reason some doctors believe that the bowel infection or subsequent use of antibiotics may have disrupted the balance of intestinal bacteria ecosystem. IBS tend to start in the teenage ages or in the early adulthood. It often affects women more than men.
How can you manage IBS?
To others, the symptoms of IBS may appear trivial or funny. But to IBS sufferers, they can be very disruptive, they are bothered frequently by tummy cramps or embarrassed by excessive gas and stress-induced diarrhoea runs.
Helpful lifestyle tips:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid triggers such as caffeine (coffee, tea)
- Include fruits and vegetables—but avoid excessive fibre if it worsens bloating
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
💡 Important: IBS varies from person to person—what triggers symptoms in one person may not affect another.
When should you see a doctor?
IBS symptoms can be similar to more serious conditions The symptoms of IBS are similar to colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (for example like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). One of the important tests a colorectal surgeon needs to recommend is a colonoscopy to differentiate between IBS and these other serious conditions.
The goal of medical treatment is to relieve symptoms, to educate patients to allow them to understand their condition and facilitate their participation in managing their condition. The important thing to understand is that IBS, however bothersome and disabling, does not lead to a serious disease such as cancer. Symptoms can often be improved and relieved through treatment.
✅ Reassuring fact:
IBS does not increase your risk of cancer or other serious diseases. With the right approach, most people can achieve good symptom control and lead normal, active lives.