Why does irritable bowel syndrome cause abdominal pain?

With irritable bowel syndrome, signals between the bowel and brain can amplify normal stretching or movement in the gut. Gas, food passing through the bowel and changes in stool can then feel painful. Cramping may come and go, shift location, or ease after a bowel movement; some people have diarrhoea, constipation or both. Abdominal Pain is a very common presentation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but many other digestive, urinary and reproductive conditions can also cause abdominal pain.

Keep a simple record of pain timing, meals, bowel movements, stress, sleep and medicines. This can help identify patterns and gives your clinician useful detail. Eat regular meals, take time to chew, and avoid skipping food for long periods if that seems to provoke symptoms. A clinician may discuss fibre changes, dietary adjustments or medicines based on whether constipation, diarrhoea or pain is most troublesome. Avoid restrictive diets without guidance, as they can make it harder to meet nutritional needs.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, fever with marked illness, fainting, or blood in vomit or stool. Arrange prompt review for unintentional weight loss, persistent change in bowel habit, pain that wakes you from sleep, or symptoms that began after a new medicine. These features should not be attributed to IBS without assessment.

Ask how IBS is diagnosed, whether your symptoms suggest tests for other causes, and which changes suit your bowel pattern. Ask what warning signs mean you should contact the clinic earlier.