Patient Education – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What It Is

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term problem that affects the large intestine (colon). It causes belly pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or both). IBS does not damage the intestines, but it can cause a lot of discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not known, but IBS may happen because the muscles in the intestines move too fast or too slow, or the nerves in the gut are more sensitive than normal.
Risk factors include:

• Being female
  
  

• Family history of IBS
  
  

• History of stomach infections
  
  

• High stress or anxiety
  
  

• Certain foods that trigger symptoms
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms:

• Stomach pain or cramping
  
  

• Bloating or gas
  
  

• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
  
  

• Mucus in the stool
  
  

Early warning signs that symptoms are getting worse:

• More frequent or severe belly pain
  
  

• Increased bloating and gas
  
  

• Stool changes happening more often
  
  

Possible Complications if Untreated

• Ongoing discomfort affecting daily life
  
  

• Poor nutrition from avoiding certain foods
  
  

• Increased anxiety or depression from symptoms
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be managed.

• Diet changes: Avoid trigger foods (such as fatty foods, dairy, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners). Some people benefit from a “low FODMAP” diet.
  
  

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  
  

• Manage stress: Try deep breathing, yoga, or relaxation exercises
  
  

• Stay active: Exercise regularly to help bowel movement
  
  

• Drink enough water
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Fiber supplements – help with constipation (may cause bloating)
  
  

• Laxatives – help with constipation (may cause cramping if overused)
  
  

• Anti-diarrheal medicine – helps slow diarrhea (may cause constipation if taken too much)
  
  

• Antispasmodic medicine – helps relax bowel muscles and reduce cramps (may cause dry mouth or dizziness)
  
  

• Antidepressants – may help reduce nerve sensitivity in the gut and improve mood (possible side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth)
  
  

Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Changes

• Keep a food diary to find and avoid triggers
  
  

• Increase fiber slowly to prevent gas
  
  

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and greasy foods
  
  

• Stay hydrated
  
  

• Practice regular exercise and stress control
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Do not start or stop medicine without talking to your doctor
  
  

• Avoid overuse of laxatives or anti-diarrheal medicine
  
  

• Sudden changes in bowel habits should be reported to your provider
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Follow your food plan
  
  

• Manage stress daily
  
  

• Keep follow-up appointments with your healthcare team
  
  

• Take medications as prescribed
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

• Your symptoms change suddenly
  
  

• You notice blood in stool
  
  

• You lose weight without trying
  
  

• You have worsening abdominal pain
  
  

Go to the emergency room if:

• You have severe abdominal pain with fever
  
  

• You are unable to keep food or fluids down
  
  

• You have black or tarry stools (possible sign of bleeding)
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Knowledge Check – True/False

Instructions: Read each statement. Write True if it is correct and False if it is not correct. Correct all False statements.

1. True or False: IBS can cause belly pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
   
   

2. True or False: IBS permanently damages the intestines.
   
   

3. True or False: Stress can make IBS symptoms worse.
   
   

4. True or False: A low FODMAP diet can help some people with IBS.
   
   

5. True or False: Drinking enough water can help with bowel regularity.
   
   

6. True or False: IBS can be cured with the right medication.
   
   

7. True or False: Fiber supplements can help constipation in IBS.
   
   

8. True or False: Anti-diarrheal medicines can be overused and cause constipation.
   
   

9. True or False: Skipping meals is recommended to rest the bowel in IBS.
   
   

10. True or False: IBS symptoms can include mucus in the stool.
    
    

11. True or False: Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.
    
    

12. True or False: Overusing laxatives can cause cramping or dependency.
    
    

13. True or False: Women are more likely to have IBS than men.
    
    

14. True or False: You should report any new blood in your stool to your doctor right away.
    
    

15. True or False: Regular exercise may help with IBS symptoms.
    
    

16. True or False: Antidepressants may help manage nerve sensitivity in the gut.
    
    

17. True or False: Black or tarry stools can be a sign of bleeding and need emergency care.
    
    

18. True or False: It’s safe to stop prescribed IBS medication without telling your doctor.
    
    

19. True or False: High stress levels may increase IBS flare-ups.
    
    

20. True or False: Both diarrhea and constipation can be symptoms of IBS.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Follow-Up Questions

1. Which foods have you noticed make your IBS symptoms worse?
   
   

2. Have you been keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how your body reacts?
   
   

3. What medications are you currently using to control your IBS?
   
   

4. What lab tests or procedures has your provider ordered to monitor your condition? (Examples: stool tests, blood work, colonoscopy)
   
   

5. Do you know your recent test results, and have you discussed them with your provider?
   
   

6. What strategies do you use to manage stress?
   
   

7. Have you experienced any new or worsening symptoms in the past week?
   
   

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Answer Key & Explanations

1. True – IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine and causes digestive problems.
Explanation: This is correct. IBS mainly impacts the colon, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

2. False – IBS is caused by an infection that can be cured with antibiotics.
Explanation: IBS is not caused by infection. It is a chronic condition with no single known cause, so antibiotics are not a cure.

3. True – Stress can make IBS symptoms worse.
Explanation: Stress does not cause IBS but can trigger flare-ups and increase discomfort.

4. True – IBS can cause diarrhea, constipation, or both.
Explanation: IBS can switch between diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, or mixed symptoms.

5. False – IBS always leads to serious diseases like cancer.
Explanation: IBS does not cause cancer or permanent damage to the intestines, but it can greatly affect quality of life.

6. True – Early signs of IBS may include bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.
Explanation: These symptoms often appear before more severe or long-term discomfort develops.

7. False – Ignoring IBS symptoms will not cause any problems.
Explanation: Ignoring symptoms can make quality of life worse and lead to frequent flare-ups.

8. True – Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce IBS symptoms.
Explanation: Smaller meals are easier to digest and may reduce bloating and discomfort.

9. True – Avoiding trigger foods like fatty foods, caffeine, and dairy may improve IBS symptoms.
Explanation: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is an important part of self-care for IBS.

10. False – Overeating high-fiber foods quickly is the best way to treat IBS.
Explanation: Fiber can help but should be increased slowly; too much too soon may cause more bloating and gas.

11. True – Some medications for IBS include antispasmodics, laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medicines.
Explanation: The type of medication depends on whether the patient has diarrhea, constipation, or both.

12. True – Side effects of IBS medications may include dizziness, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
Explanation: Side effects vary but should always be monitored and reported to a healthcare provider.

13. True – Drinking plenty of water is important for IBS management.
Explanation: Staying hydrated supports healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.

14. False – Exercise has no effect on IBS symptoms.
Explanation: Regular exercise helps improve bowel function and reduce stress, which may ease symptoms.

15. True – IBS is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
Explanation: IBS does not have a permanent cure, so treatment focuses on long-term symptom control.

16. False – It’s okay to start or stop IBS medications without talking to your doctor.
Explanation: Medication changes should always be made under a healthcare provider’s guidance.

17. True – Stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help control IBS flare-ups.
Explanation: Relaxation techniques may reduce symptoms by calming the digestive system.

18. False – If you have sudden severe abdominal pain and fever with IBS, you should just rest at home.
Explanation: This could be a sign of a serious problem (like infection or blockage) and needs urgent medical care.

19. True – A food and symptom diary can help identify IBS triggers.
Explanation: Tracking what you eat and how you feel can help create a personalized management plan.

20. True – Calling your home health nurse or doctor is important if your IBS symptoms suddenly change or worsen.
Explanation: This ensures proper evaluation and timely adjustments to your care plan.