Persistent Bloating and Abdominal Pain: Could it be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Why Bloating and Belly Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Almost everyone has experienced a bloated stomach or occasional belly pain after a heavy meal. But when bloating, intestine pain, or lower belly pain keeps coming back — sometimes with lower abdominal cramps that don’t seem to have a clear cause — it may not just be indigestion. For many people, these persistent digestive issues point toward Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, affecting millions of people. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people dismiss IBS symptoms as “just stress” or “something I ate,” delaying diagnosis and treatment. But with the right care, including dietary management and gut-brain axis therapy, IBS can be controlled, and patients can live symptom-free lives.

This blog explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of IBS — with a focus on advanced care available at Dr. Sandeep Pal’s Gastroenterology Clinic in Chandigarh.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Defining IBS and Its Global Impact

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it causes significant symptoms without visible damage to the digestive tract. Patients with IBS often struggle with chronic bloating, abdominal pain, intestine pain, and irregular bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both.

Globally, IBS affects about 10–15% of the population, but many people remain undiagnosed. In India, awareness about IBS is growing, yet patients often delay seeing a gastroenterologist, assuming their condition is minor or stress-related.

IBS vs. Other Digestive Disorders

Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, or celiac disease, IBS does not cause intestinal damage. Instead, it is characterized by hypersensitivity of the gut and abnormal motility patterns. This makes diagnosis more challenging but also highlights the importance of specialist care.

Understanding the Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms vary from person to person. Some experience mild discomfort, while others deal with severe pain and lifestyle disruptions.

Bloating and a Bloated Stomach

One of the most common symptoms of IBS is persistent bloating. Patients often complain of a swollen or distended belly, especially after meals. Unlike normal post-meal fullness, IBS-related bloating can last for hours and may not improve with simple remedies.

Intestine Pain and Lower Belly Pain

Patients often describe intestine pain as cramping, twisting, or sharp discomfort in the abdomen. Lower belly pain is particularly common, as IBS affects the colon (large intestine).

Lower Abdominal Cramps

Recurring lower abdominal cramps are a hallmark symptom. Unlike ordinary cramps that pass quickly, IBS cramps may persist, worsen with stress, and improve only after a bowel movement.

Alternating Bowel Habits

IBS is classified into subtypes:

• IBS-C (Constipation predominant) – hard stools, straining, incomplete evacuation.
  
  

• IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant) – frequent loose stools, urgency.
  
  

• IBS-M (Mixed type) – alternating constipation and diarrhea.
  
  

This unpredictable cycle often causes patients distress and social embarrassment.

Causes and Triggers of IBS

While the exact cause is unknown, research points to a combination of factors.

Gut-Brain Axis Dysregulation

The gut is often called the “second brain” because it communicates closely with the nervous system. In IBS, this gut-brain axis becomes dysregulated, leading to exaggerated pain signals and abnormal bowel contractions.

Food Triggers and the Role of Diet

Certain foods worsen IBS symptoms:

• Dairy products (lactose intolerance)
  
  

• Wheat (gluten sensitivity in some cases)
  
  

• High-FODMAP foods (fermentable carbs found in beans, onions, garlic, apples)
  
  

• Fried, fatty, or spicy foods
  
  

Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Health

Stress does not cause IBS, but it worsens symptoms. Many patients notice that bloating, intestine pain, and cramps flare up during emotionally difficult times.

Hormonal Factors

IBS is more common in women, especially during menstrual cycles, suggesting that hormonal changes affect gut sensitivity and motility.

IBS Diagnosis: How Doctors Rule Out Other Conditions

Since IBS symptoms overlap with many digestive diseases, proper diagnosis is essential.

Medical History and Symptom Evaluation

Doctors carefully review symptom patterns:

• How long bloating and cramps have persisted
  
  

• Relationship of symptoms to meals
  
  

• Changes in bowel habits
  
  

• Impact on daily life
  
  

Physical Examination and Basic Tests

A physical exam may include abdominal palpation and routine blood work to rule out infections, anemia, or inflammation.

Rome IV Criteria for IBS Diagnosis

The Rome IV Criteria are the global standard:

• Abdominal pain at least one day per week in the last 3 months
  
  

• Associated with at least two of the following:
  
  

• Pain related to defecation
  
  

• Change in stool frequency
  
  

• Change in stool form
  
  

Tests to Exclude Other Conditions

• Celiac disease screening
  
  

• Stool tests for infection or parasites
  
  

• Colonoscopy if red flag symptoms are present (blood in stool, weight loss, anemia)
  
  

Service Focus: Advanced IBS Management at Dr. Sandeep Pal’s Clinic

At Dr. Sandeep Pal’s Gastroenterology Clinic in Chandigarh, patients receive a comprehensive, individualized IBS management plan using the latest medical practices.

IBS Diagnosis with Precision Tools

Dr. Pal uses a combination of history, Rome IV criteria, and advanced testing when necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis. This avoids misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

Dietary Management – Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP Diet is one of the most effective dietary strategies for IBS. It involves reducing foods high in fermentable carbs that cause gas, bloating, and cramps. Patients are guided step-by-step to identify their specific triggers.

Medication Management

Depending on the IBS subtype, treatments may include:

• Antispasmodics to relieve cramps
  
  

• Laxatives for constipation-predominant IBS
  
  

• Antidiarrheal medications for diarrhea-predominant IBS
  
  

• Neuromodulators for gut-brain pain regulation
  
  

Gut-Brain Axis Therapy

Since stress and anxiety worsen IBS, Dr. Pal emphasizes holistic treatment that may include relaxation techniques, counseling, or referrals for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This integrated approach ensures long-term relief rather than short-term fixes.

Living With IBS: Coping Strategies for Daily Life

While IBS cannot always be cured, it can be effectively managed. Patients who adopt a holistic approach often report dramatic improvement in their quality of life.

Tracking Symptoms with a Food and Lifestyle Diary

Keeping a daily record of meals, symptoms, stress levels, and sleep patterns helps identify personal triggers. Many patients discover that specific foods or stressful events worsen their bloated stomach and intestine pain.

Mindful Eating Practices

Eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding rushed meals can reduce the severity of bloating and lower belly pain. Patients are also encouraged to limit carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and artificial sweeteners that contribute to gas buildup.

Exercise and Movement

Regular physical activity improves bowel motility, reduces constipation, and lowers stress. Even light exercises such as walking, yoga, or stretching can help relieve lower abdominal cramps.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation Techniques

Because IBS is closely tied to the gut-brain axis, stress management is critical. Practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and even gut-directed hypnotherapy have been shown to reduce IBS flare-ups.

Preventing Complications of IBS

IBS itself does not cause intestinal damage, cancer, or life-threatening complications. However, when left unmanaged, it can significantly disrupt daily living.

Impact on Nutrition and Weight

IBS patients may eliminate too many foods from their diet out of fear of triggering symptoms. This can lead to poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and unintended weight loss.

Emotional and Social Impact

Persistent bloating, cramps, and unpredictable bowel movements often lead to embarrassment, social withdrawal, and anxiety. Many patients report missing work or avoiding social activities due to fear of flare-ups.

Long-Term Digestive Health

While IBS is not progressive like IBD, chronic discomfort may mask other digestive conditions. That’s why ongoing follow-up with a gastroenterologist is essential.

FAQs

1. Why do I feel bloated all the time even when I eat light meals?
IBS often causes the intestines to overreact to even small amounts of food, leading to excessive gas, bloating, and discomfort. A low FODMAP diet may help reduce these symptoms.

2. How do I know if my intestine pain is IBS or something more serious?
If you have severe lower belly pain, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or fever, it could indicate a condition more serious than IBS. Consult a gastroenterologist immediately.

3. Can stress alone cause IBS?
Stress does not cause IBS but worsens existing symptoms by disrupting the gut-brain axis. Stress management is an important part of treatment.

4. Is IBS permanent?
IBS is usually a lifelong condition, but symptoms can be controlled effectively with diet, medication, and lifestyle changes.

5. What is the best diet for IBS?
The Low FODMAP diet is one of the most researched and effective approaches. It should be followed under the guidance of a gastroenterologist or dietitian.

6. Can IBS be cured with medicine alone?
Medicines help manage symptoms, but a holistic plan involving diet, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments offers the best results.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Persistent Bloating and Abdominal Pain

Persistent bloating, a bloated stomach, intestine pain, and lower abdominal cramps are not just “normal digestive problems.” For many, these symptoms point to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — a condition that requires careful diagnosis and personalized treatment.

At Dr. Sandeep Pal’s Gastroenterology Clinic in Chandigarh, patients receive expert care that combines:

• Accurate IBS Diagnosis using global standards
  
  

• Dietary Management with the Low FODMAP approach
  
  

• Medication management tailored to IBS subtype
  
  

• Gut-brain axis therapy for long-term relief
  
  

Living with IBS is challenging, but with the right support, patients can reclaim control over their health and enjoy life without constant digestive discomfort.

👉 If you’re struggling with bloating, intestine pain, or lower belly cramps, don’t ignore the symptoms. Book a consultation with Dr. Sandeep Pal for expert IBS management in Chandigarh.