What are IBS Attacks?
If you're like one of the millions of people who suffer from IBS, then you know that an IBS attack can be a real nightmare. These attacks can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. In this blog post, we will discuss what IBS attacks are, what can cause them, and how to deal with them if they occur. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent IBS attacks from happening in the first place!
What does an IBS attack feel like?
An IBS attack can feel very different from everyday IBS symptoms. The most common symptoms of an IBS attack are abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. In severe cases, some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. For some people, the pain and cramping can escalate to the point of feeling like you are being stabbed or squeezed in the abdomen. You may feel like you have no control over your bowels due to unpredictable swings between diarrhea and constipation.
How does an IBS attack differ from everyday IBS symptoms?
The main difference between IBS attacks and everyday IBS symptoms is the severity of the symptoms. IBS attacks tend to be more severe than everyday symptoms, with more intense pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Additionally, IBS attacks often come on suddenly and without warning, whereas everyday symptoms can be more gradual and less severe.
What causes IBS attacks?
There are a number of things that can trigger an IBS attack. The most common triggers include food, stress, and changes in routine. When you're feeling stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol that can aggravate IBS symptoms. Changes in routine, such as traveling or switching to a new job, can also trigger IBS attacks.
Foods that trigger IBS attacks
There are a number of different foods that can trigger IBS attacks. These triggers vary from person to person, so it's important to figure out which foods cause problems for you. Common IBS triggers include:
- Dairy products: Dairy can be a trigger for IBS attacks because it contains lactose, a type of sugar that some people have difficulty digesting.
- Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. For people with IBS, gluten can trigger symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
- Coffee, tea, and chocolate: These foods contain caffeine, which can aggravate IBS symptoms.
- Fried foods: Fried foods are high in fat and can be difficult to digest, both of which can trigger IBS attacks.
- Sugar: Sugar can cause problems for people with IBS because it can promote the growth of bacteria in the gut.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can trigger IBS symptoms by irritating the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
How long do IBS attacks last?
IBS attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The length of an IBS attack varies from person to person and can depend on the severity of the attack. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe pain and diarrhea. IBS attacks often come on suddenly and without warning, so it's important to be prepared for them if you have a personal or family history of attacks.
How to stop an IBS attack
If you're experiencing an IBS attack, there are a few things that you can do to lessen the effects. First, it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You may also want to try taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and cramping. In addition, you can try some of the following tips:
- Try to relax and avoid stress as much as possible. Stress can aggravate IBS symptoms.
- Avoid foods that trigger IBS attacks. If you know which foods are problematic for you, try to avoid them during an attack.
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals. This will help your body to digest food more easily.
- Gentle exercise may help to relieve pain and cramping, but don't overdo it as exercise can also trigger IBS attacks.
- If you're constipated, try to take a laxative or stool softener to help you have a bowel movement.
- If you're experiencing diarrhea, avoid high-fiber foods as they can make diarrhea worse.
- Get plenty of rest. IBS attacks can be draining, both physically and emotionally. Getting enough rest will help you to recover more quickly.
- If you're experiencing diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
Allied Digestive can help
If you're experiencing IBS attacks on a regular basis, it's important to seek help. Allied Digestive can help you to manage your IBS and develop a plan to reduce the frequency and severity of IBS attacks. We understand how disruptive IBS attacks can be, and we're here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you're ready to start taking control of your IBS symptoms.
