Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)doesn’t usually cause nausea and vomiting.
Typical symptoms of IBS includeabdominal pain, gas and bloating, anddiarrheaor constipation.
Other symptoms may also suggest a health problem other than IBS.
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These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you don’t have IBS, though.
This article looks at some of the symptoms that may be related to a health problem other than IBS.
Vomiting on a Regular Basis
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Vomiting is not a typical symptom of IBS.
When people who have IBS experience nausea and vomiting, it is probably not because of their IBS.
If you experience frequent vomiting, tell your healthcare provider.
If you are having uncontrollable vomiting or are vomiting up blood, see a doctor at once.
Gas and Bloating Within 90 Minutes of Eating
Intestinal gasand bloating are commonIBS symptoms.
The timing of the these symptoms, though, is important.
Carbohydrates are substances in food that provide your body with energy.
They include sugars, starches, and fiber.
It usually takes about 90 minutes for undigested carbohydrates to reach your large intestine.
Once there, gut bacteria start breaking them down.
This is called fermentation.
You should not start to feel gassy before that 90-minute mark.
If you do, it could be because you have too much bacteria in your small intestine.
This condition is calledsmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO).
SIBO is diagnosed with a hydrogen breath test.
It can be treated with select antibiotics.
If you experience gas and bloating within 1.5 hours of eating, talk to your doctor.
This doesn’t necessarily mean your doctor was wrong about your IBS.
It just means it might be worthwhile to be tested for SIBO.
The simple act of eating can cause contractions in your intestines.
This can lead to diarrhea.
A couple of other conditions could also cause this symptom.
These conditions are less common.
If you have a sudden, immediate diarrhea right after eating, talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may want to consider:
These conditions are relatively rare.
It is still possible that diarrhea after eating is a symptom of your IBS.
Still, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about other possibilities.
Many IBS patients say this is not always true.
If you have pain you don’t think is related to your bowel movements, talk to your doctor.
It may still be IBS, but it is worth looking at other possibilities.
Persistent pain should always be evaluated by a doctor.
Symptoms Set Off by Eating Wheat
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains.
For many people, foods that contain gluten can cause IBS-like symptoms.
That is why doctors recommend that people with IBS should also be tested for celiac disease.
This test is only conclusive if you are eating foods that contain gluten.
Celiac disease can cause other serious health problems, so it is important to know if you have it.
Your doctor can guide you through an elimination diet to determine if any foods are triggering your symptoms.
Blood in Stools
Blood on or in the stool is not a symptom of IBS.
Sometimes blood in the stool comes fromhemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop in your anus and lower rectum.
Blood in the stool can also be a symptom of other more serious problems.
This includes IBDorcolon cancer.
Significant,unexplained weight loss, though,is not a symptom of IBS.
This is not an IBS symptom.
Running Fevers
IBS should not cause you to run a fever.
Deep, Persistent Fatigue
Fatigueis not the same thing as feeling sleepy.
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that can be both physical and emotional.
Many people with IBS say they often lack energy.
Fatigue, though, is not a symptom of IBS.
If you have deep, persistent feelings of fatigue, let your doctor know.
Summary
Symptoms of IBS can include abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea and/or constipation.
Other symptoms may be related to a different condition.
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order lab tests to help diagnose IBS.
You may need further diagnostic testing if you have “alarm signs” that could indicate serious problems.
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