Basic Tummy Trouble or IBS: How to Tell the Difference

Digestive issues can be tough to figure out. If you’re starting to wonder if your tummy troubles have crossed the line into something more chronic, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this guide is for you. 

Knowing how to tell the difference between common tummy troubles and IBS is the only way to get relief and resolve the problem.

Here, highly experienced naturopathic medical doctor, Jake Schmutz, NMD,  from Integrative Medica, explains the critical differences between a stomach issue and IBS. We also provide practical tips to manage and alleviate these digestive woes. 

What are basic tummy troubles?

Basic tummy troubles are those occasional digestive discomforts everyone experiences from time to time. They can result from overeating, stress, or consuming something that doesn’t agree with your stomach.

Symptoms of tummy troubles

Common symptoms include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and occasional diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms are usually short-lived and tend to resolve on their own without needing medical intervention.

Common causes of tummy troubles

Several triggers can cause tummy troubles, including:

• Diet: eating too much, too quickly, or consuming spicy or fatty foods
• Stress: psychological stress can impact your digestive system
• Infections: viral or bacterial infections can lead to temporary stomach issues

Once you pinpoint the cause of your upset stomach, you can eliminate the trigger and relieve your symptoms.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Unlike basic tummy troubles, IBS is a long-term disorder that requires ongoing management. It’s one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting an estimated 15% of people globally and up to 20% of Westerners.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms are persistent and may include:

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Regular bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
• Frequent bloating and excessive gas production
• Noticeable mucus when passing stool

Causes and Risk Factors for IBS

The exact cause of IBS isn’t well understood, but several factors may contribute:

• Gut-brain interaction, a miscommunication between the brain and the digestive tract
• Microbial imbalance
• Genetics
• Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression 

Key differences between tummy troubles and IBS

There are three major differences between occasional stomach problems and IBS: time, intensity, and impact.

Duration and frequency 

Basic tummy issues are often short-term and sporadic. They typically resolve within a few hours to a couple of days. In contrast, IBS symptoms are chronic and recurrent, often persisting for months or even years.

Intensity of discomfort

While both conditions can cause discomfort, the intensity is generally higher with IBS. The abdominal pain associated with IBS can be severe and debilitating, whereas tummy troubles usually cause milder discomfort.

Daily impact 

Chronic IBS symptoms can interfere with daily activities, work, and social interactions. On the other hand, basic tummy troubles are usually less disruptive and manageable with simple lifestyle changes.

When to seek medical advice

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, call us. Warning signs include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Intense abdominal pain that doesn’t improve
• Blood in the stool 

Also, if you have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases and deal with chronic abdominal discomfort, come see us.

Tips for managing basic digestive issues 

Start by making simple changes to your diet. Eat smaller meals, drink plenty of water to aid digestion, and keep a food diary to identify triggers.

Next, eliminate or reduce stress by practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Physical activity and adequate sleep can reduce stress and improve digestion.

Finally, take a little help from over-the-counter medications. Antacids neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn, anti-diarrheal medications relieve diarrhea, and probiotics support a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

How to manage IBS

All the tips we listed for garden-variety tummy troubles also help with IBS. However, in addition to avoiding trigger foods, we may recommend a specialized diet to target your IBS symptoms.

For example, a low-FODMAP diet reduces certain carbohydrates that are hard to digest, and a high-fiber diet can help manage constipation.

We can also help by prescribing medications, such as:

• Antispasmodics
• Laxatives
• Antidepressants

If you suspect you have IBS, don’t suffer in silence — call Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, or book online.