IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a long-term condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract and has a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms include changes to stool appearance, frequency, and consistency, which can vary widely from patient to patient. For example, some IBS patients experience diarrhea (IBS-D), others struggle with constipation (IBS-C), and some have an alternating pattern of both (IBS-M). In this article, we will explore the broad spectrum of stool-related IBS symptoms and their overlap with symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders.
IBS Stool Changes & Effects
Changes Caused Directly by IBS:
Stool Consistency & Frequency: IBS stool consistency can range from loose and watery (IBS-D) to hard and lumpy (IBS-C). Stool frequency is also highly variable, with some experiencing bowel movements fewer than three times per week while others may have them more than three times per day. Narrow or stringy stools may result from intense or irregular contractions of the colon muscles, which alter the shape of the stool. In some cases, thin or ribbon-like stools can also indicate heightened sensitivity or minor obstructions in the anus or colon.
Changes that are not directly affected by IBS:
Color Changes: Stool color changes are typically not caused by IBS but can indicate underlying medical conditions. Stool colors can vary from red, black, yellow, and white to green. Green stool is usually normal and often results from consuming green foods or bile that the intestines didn’t break down. However, red stools may signal bleeding in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract. Black stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while white stools suggest pancreas, liver, or gallbladder issues. Yellow stool is generally not a concern, but consulting a healthcare provider is essential if it persists or you are also experiencing symptoms like fever, vomiting, or confusion. If you notice red, black, or white stools, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
Bloody Stool: Blood in stool is not typically an IBS symptom and often indicates other medical conditions. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a common cause of blood in stools. Any presence of red in stool, whether bright or dark, calls for consultation with a healthcare provider.
Mucus in Stool: Mucus is a jelly-like substance that may be present in the stool of IBS patients. However, it is not a primary symptom of IBS and is associated with other conditions, such as hemorrhoids and IBD. Large amounts of mucus, bloody mucus, or color changes require medical evaluation.
Is There a Test or a Sample for IBS Stool?
IBS is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, such as changes in bowel movements and abdominal pain. The patient will often do a stool test to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, like IBD or Celiac disease. The stool test can detect inflammation or pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract that can point to a condition other than IBS.
IBS Stool Treatment & Relief
While treatment and lifestyle adjustments can manage many stool-related changes in IBS, specific symptoms require prompt medical attention. Seek medical help if you experience blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, black stool, unexplained weight loss, or a fever accompanying digestive symptoms.)
Managing stool-related IBS symptoms requires a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as natural remedies and over-the-counter medications.
Dietary changes: Increasing fiber intake for patients with IBS-C and reducing fiber intake for patients with IBS-D can improve bowel movements. Avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods is essential because they can worsen symptoms. Additionally, the low-FODMAP diet can detect personal trigger foods.
Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration caused by IBS-D and ease constipation caused by IBS-C.
Stress management: Stress often worsens symptoms, so stress-reducing activities are crucial.
Natural remedies and over-the-counter options: Patients with IBS-C may choose to benefit from laxatives, while patients with IBS-D may use antidiarrheal medication. Probiotics may help regulate bowel movements by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. The IBS Bundle, which includes DivertX and Exhale, restores microbial balance and reduces inflammation in the gut while relieving stress and tension that can affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Eliana Oberman
