When IBS is an Emergency (2024)

FAQs

When does IBS become an emergency? ›

Emergency Situations: If you are experiencing any sort of emergency related to your IBS, such as severe abdominal pain, intense vomiting and/or diarrhea, or bleeding that does not cease with home treatment, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.

A go-to for a lot of IBS sufferers, loperamide (Imodium) treats sudden diarrhea and slows muscles in your gut.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often includes a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Severe symptoms, such as extreme pain or intense cramping, or non-GI-related symptoms, such as dizziness, might be a sign to get more immediate care.

People who have IBS often experience flare-ups of symptoms, which usually last between 2 to 4 days before improving or going away. IBS can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, such as: Lower back pain. Muscle and joint pain.

During your visit, a MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine whether you have IBS. They may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes or medication to help manage your condition.

If your abdominal pain or IBS is interrupting your life and the pain is so persistent that you can no longer function, go to the nearest emergency room. Your doctor will want to rule out other, more serious conditions. If you have a fever that accompanies abdominal pain or cramping, you should seek medical help.

There are many things you can do to manage IBS symptoms. Heat, tea, relaxation, keeping track of symptoms, and eating a low-FODMAP diet can all help.

Overview. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

How long is too long for IBS? ›

Generally, a flare up of irritable bowel syndrome can last from a few hours to several days. However, it is not uncommon for some people to experience symptoms for weeks or even longer. Factors such as stress, diet, medication, and lifestyle can all contribute to the length and severity of an IBS flare up.

IBS sufferers often experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can be both physically and emotionally debilitating, making it difficult for people to work, socialize, and even take care of daily activities.

The two things most likely to make your IBS symptoms worse are the foods you eat and having emotional stress. Diet. Eating makes your colon muscles move or contract. This normally gives you an urge to have a bowel movement 30 to 60 minutes after a meal.

Symptoms that may be of concern

If you experience any of these, even if you have had IBS for some time, you should see your doctor as soon as possible: A persistent change of bowel habit for 4 weeks or longer, especially if you are over the age of 40. Passing blood from the back passage.

“After three to four months, if you're having symptoms and it's not going away, visit your doctor,” Dr. Magge said. “If it persists, that's the time to seek out your primary care doctor or get a referral to a gastroenterologist to do some further testing.” “IBS is really cumbersome to patients.

It is possible IBS sufferers have a hypersensitive gut and rectum so feel an urgency to go to the toilet more pronounced than your average person would feel.