So You Think You Have IBS? What to Do Next
If you are constantly battling stomach discomfort, struggling to navigate excessive bloating or unpredictable bathroom trips, you might have found yourself questioning if you have IBS. Understandably, knowing how to address your digestive concerns can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when so much information is available. IBS affects around 11% of the population globally, and only about 30% of people who experience the symptoms of IBS will consult a doctor for their IBS symptoms.
Whether IBS came up in conversation with a friend, through social media, or from trying to make sense of your own symptoms, this post will walk you through what IBS is, why self-diagnosis can be risky, and what steps to take next to get the care you deserve.
Recognizing the Signs of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and chronic digestive disorder that affects the stomach and intestines. It is typically characterized by:
Abdominal pain or cramping
Diarrhea or constipation, or alternating between the two
Gas and bloating
Changes in stool frequency or appearance
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. Research suggests that factors such as gut-brain communication, intestinal motility, visceral sensitivity, stress, anxiety, and genetics all play a role. It is also important to note that IBS symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, infections, and certain food intolerances. This overlap is one of the reasons a proper medical evaluation is essential.
Why Self-Diagnosing IBS Can Be Risky
When your gut is unpredictable, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. Many people do just that — cutting out foods left and right, trying every supplement the internet recommends, or convincing themselves that this is just how their body is now. And for many, when they do seek help, they're met with a dismissive wave of the hand or a printout about IBS, with no next steps and no support.
But the truth is IBS is a legitimate medical condition, and while it’s not curable, it’s absolutely manageable. You deserve a thoughtful and collaborative approach.
IBS is real. IBS is complex. And IBS deserves more than a shrug and a brochure.
The path to help starts with advocating for care you shouldn’t have to fight for, but that you absolutely deserve.
The main reason not to go it alone? Because symptoms that look like IBS can also signal other serious conditions, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, etc. Without proper testing and evaluation, it's easy to miss an underlying issue that needs a different kind of care.
IBS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion. That means before you land there, your care team should help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Skipping this step, or assuming it’s “just IBS” because that’s what the internet says, can delay the treatment and support your body actually needs.
Advocating for proper evaluation is not being difficult. You’re being responsible.
What to Do Next if You Suspect IBS
If you are living with ongoing symptoms and ready for clarity, you do not need another elimination diet or internet advice telling you to “just cut out gluten.” What you need is a plan and a care team.
Start with your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) is often the first stop. Ask them to take your symptoms seriously and help rule out conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections. This may involve lab work, imaging, or referrals.
If your concerns are minimized, it is okay to advocate for yourself and ask for further evaluation.
2. Ask for a Referral to a Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist can assess digestive symptoms in more depth and help confirm or rule out IBS through appropriate testing. This step is especially important if you experience red flags such as unintended weight loss, blood in stool, persistent fatigue, or symptoms that significantly impact daily life.
3. Work with a Registered Dietitian (RD) trained in IBS
Once other conditions have been ruled out, a dietitian trained in GI disorders can be your next best guide. IBS nutrition is incredibly nuanced, and restrictive approaches (like the low-FODMAP diet) are not meant to be DIY.
A trained RD will help you:
Spot patterns and triggers without unnecessary elimination
Stay nourished while managing symptoms
Feel empowered, not fearful, around food
Help provide you with tools and resources for preventing future flare-ups
4. Support the Gut-Brain Connection
IBS is a functional GI disorder, meaning the issue isn’t always visible on scans, but it’s very real. And the nervous system plays a role. Stress, anxiety, trauma, and even past medical gaslighting can all make symptoms worse.
That’s where therapy comes in. Not because it’s “all in your head,” but because your brain and gut are deeply connected. Therapists familiar with GI issues, especially those trained in modalities like CBT or gut-directed hypnotherapy, can be a powerful part of your team.
Frequently Asked Questions About IBS
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IBS symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both. Because these symptoms overlap with conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes should be ruled out first.
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IBS does not typically appear on imaging or blood work, which is why it is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This does not mean symptoms are imagined or “all in your head.” It means the issue lies in how the gut and nervous system communicate, rather than in visible structural damage.
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Stress and anxiety do not cause IBS, but they can worsen symptoms. The gut and brain are closely connected, and stress can increase gut sensitivity, motility changes, and symptom flares. Supporting mental health and nervous system regulation is often an important part of IBS management.
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Fiber can help manage IBS for some people, but not all types of fiber work the same way. Some fiber can worsen symptoms for some people. Working with a registered dietitian can help you find the right amount and type of fiber for your specific needs.
You Deserve Help for Your Gut
IBS is a real, and sometimes challenging, condition that deserves proper diagnosis and treatment. But you don’t have to do it alone. You deserve to gain back all that you’ve lost to IBS and the torment of its symptoms. You deserve not to feel bound to your home because you’re fearful of an unexpected bathroom trip showing up out of nowhere. You deserve to gain back freedom in where you eat or what you eat. You deserve to be symptom-free and empowered to do the activities you love.
If this has resonated with you and you are looking for more guidance on managing your IBS symptoms, please reach out to our team of trained dietitians who are here and ready to help you on your healing journey. You don’t have to figure this out all on your own, and you deserve proper care.
