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Conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating

IBS is one of the most common reasons people see a gastroenterologist. It's a disorder of how the gut and brain communicate, causing recurring belly pain tied to bowel movements, along with diarrhea, constipation or both. It's real, it's common and it's treatable.

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Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain or cramping that's related to bowel movements
  • Bloating and visible distension
  • Diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C) or alternating (IBS-M)
  • Mucus in the stool or a feeling of incomplete emptying

Red flags that need more testing

Rectal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, symptoms that wake you at night, onset after age 45, or a family history of colon cancer, celiac disease or IBD. These point away from IBS and toward a full evaluation, sometimes including a colonoscopy.

Diagnosis

IBS is diagnosed from the pattern of symptoms plus a few targeted tests, such as blood work, celiac testing and a stool test for inflammation, rather than by ruling out everything.

Treatment

  • Diet: a supervised low-FODMAP trial, soluble fiber such as psyllium, and identifying trigger foods
  • Medication: matched to your main symptom, for diarrhea, constipation, cramping or pain
  • Gut-brain therapies: low-dose neuromodulators, gut-directed hypnotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, which have solid evidence in IBS

Common questions

Does IBS damage the intestines?

No. It doesn't cause cancer or IBD.

Is bloating always IBS?

No. Constipation, food intolerances, celiac disease and other conditions can cause it, so the pattern matters.

Questions about IBS or bloating? Call (813) 400-0543 or send a message.

Dr. Brian Frank, MD
Written and reviewed by Brian Frank, MD
Board-certified gastroenterologist (ABIM). Last reviewed October 8, 2026.

This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.