It Is No Secret That Irritable Bowel Syndrome Can Lead To Nausea But What Should A Sufferer Do
In fact, nausea thats caused by irritable bowel syndrome isnt even uncommon, says a doctor.
*****
IBS is a condition that affects the function of both the upper and lower GI tract, so it would not be uncommon to see nausea, bloating or other upper GI symptoms with IBS, as they can all be related to abnormal gastrointestinal function, explains Michael Blume, MD, a gastroenterologist at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore.
That being said, there are many problems that cause nausea, so while this can be seen with IBS, it is important not to get tunnel vision and not consider other possibilities.
This is especially true if youre over age 50. Even 40. But even in younger people, unexplained nausea or stomach aches, constipation and/or diarrhea, need to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.
Sometimes, nothing comes up in the test results. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, and if the patient then undergoes treatment for this disorder, and the nausea and other symptoms subside, then the diagnosis was likely very accurate.
If youre having unexplained nausea and have been diagnosed with IBS, but the symptoms persist despite treatmentand especially if the symptoms are becoming progressive in some way and youre a womanthen see a gynecologist about having your ovaries checked.
Ovarian and other gynecological conditions can cause symptoms that seem like they are digestive in origin.
Remember, cancer can occur alongside IBS, though there is no causal relationship.
How Does Ibs Affect My Body
In people with IBS, the colon muscle tends to contract more than in people without the condition. These contractions cause cramps and pain. People with IBS also tend to have a lower pain tolerance. Research has also suggested that people with IBS may have excess bacteria in the GI tract, contributing to symptoms.
Overlooking Symptoms Of Ibs Might Be Making You Miserable
What is IBS pain like? Does IBS go away? Are there tips on how to tell if you have IBS?
If the only knowledge you have about irritable bowel syndrome symptoms is from commercials youve seen on TV, you arent alone. Pain dealing with the bowels arent something that most of us spend a lot of time talking about. Thats one of the reasons that you might not recognize the symptoms of IBS when they happen to you.
Also Check: H Pylori Yogurt
Medication May Cause Nausea
People with IBS may also experience nausea as a side effect of IBS or non-IBS related medications. These include:
⢠Lubiprostone, for IBS
⢠Anti-inflammatory drugs
⢠Chemotherapy drugs
⢠Birth control pills
If you suffer from IBS and are currently taking any of the above medications, these may be responsible for nausea. Nausea is a common side effect of drugs, since most drugs have multiple effects on the body. Anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce pain but also irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea. Often, the active ingredient in a drug causes nausea. People of older age may require higher doses of medications and experience cause nausea more commonly.
What Should I Do
Dont let the embarrassment of discussing digestive problems, stomach pain after eating, frequent or explosive diarrhea, or other possible symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome keep you from having your symptoms diagnosed. Even if they arent common symptoms of IBS, your symptoms may be a signal that something is wrong. Its important for your health to address any new symptoms that you experience. The first step is becoming aware of IBS and all the potential symptoms it causes.
Gastroenterologists are specialists in conditions and diseases affecting the digestive tract. When IBS symptoms occur, they can provide you with an accurate diagnosis for your condition. They also make it easier to talk about the problems you are having without embarrassment. If you are having any of the symptoms associated with IBS, contact GI Associates to schedule an appointment.
You May Like: Diarrhea After Eating Greens
How Can I Control Ibs
It may be frustrating trying to get a handle on IBS. Treatment can often be trial and error. But the good news is that nearly everyone with IBS can find a treatment that helps them.
Usually, diet and activity changes improve symptoms over time. You may need some patience as you figure out your triggers so you can take steps to avoid them. But after a few weeks or months, you should notice significant improvement in how you feel. A nutritionist can help you plan a healthy, filling diet that meets your needs.
Does Ibs Cause Nausea & Dizziness
As well as nausea, IBS can lead to symptoms outside of the digestive tract. The feeling of light-headedness or being dizzy are also another aspect of this condition.
While it may not be exactly clear why digestive conditions lead to this feeling of unsteadiness. It may however, be due to a combination of increased sensitivity in the gut, reduced blood flow, pain and cramping as well as dehydration. Dehydration may be a key component, especially if you experience looser bowel movements and arent replenishing your fluid intake. Also, if youre constipated this can be an indicator of inadequate fluid intake. Back to top
Recommended Reading: Does Fish Oil Help You Poop
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help
- Exercise. Regular exercise is known to help to ease symptoms.
- Managing stress levels. Stress and other emotional factors may trigger symptoms in some people. So, anything that can reduce your level of stress or emotional upset may help.
- Keeping a symptom diary. It may help to keep a food and lifestyle diary for 2-4 weeks to monitor symptoms and activities. Note everything that you eat and drink, times that you were stressed, and when you took any formal exercise. This may identify triggers, such as a food, alcohol, or emotional stresses, and may show if exercise helps to ease or to prevent symptoms.
Free Gut Health Consultation With An Expert
As youve learnt, nausea is a symptomand you dont have to accept it as a consequence of eating. Try the above steps and see how you feel.
For further support, you may wish to consider working with a registered practitioner. They can order tests to investigate further, suggest targeted supplements and create a nutrition and lifestyle plan thats personalised to you.
No two cases of IBS are the same, so what worked for your friend might not work for you. Rather than extreme restriction or continuing confusion, the secret is to discover the approach thats best for your body.
Tegan Philp BA PgDip MSc is a Registered Nutritional Therapist. Passionate about all things gut-related, her masters dissertation was on the role of the microbiome in cardiovascular outcomes. Tegan has over eight years experience working for leading nutrition colleges in both Australia and the UK. You can learn more about Tegan on her practitioner page or connect with her via .
Don’t Miss: Abdomen Infection Treatment
Ibs Nausea: Causes Symptoms And Treatments
IBS and nausea are unfortunately interlinked. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation involving the urge to vomit, and a common symptom in people with irritable bowel syndrome . Nausea affects roughly one-third of people with IBS. The symptom of nausea may substantially affect quality of life and may lead to anxiety and depression.
Nausea may be caused by medical conditions that often overlap with IBS, such as functional dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease . Several rarer medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohnâs disease, and migraine headaches may also cause nausea.
Possible Causes Of Ibs
While we do not know for sure what causes IBS, it is a multifactorial disorder that likely involves an interaction between the GI tract, bacteria in the gut, the nervous system, and external factors, such as stress.
Although not proven, theories exist as to factors that influence IBS symptoms, including:
- neurological hyper-sensitivity within the GI nerves
- physical and/or emotional stress
- the amount or pattern of physical exercise
- chronic alcohol abuse
- abnormalities in GI secretions and/or digestive muscle contractions
- acute infection or inflammation of the intestine , such as travellers diarrhea, which may precede onset of IBS symptoms
The GI system is very sensitive to adrenalin the hormone released when one is excited, fearful, or anxious and to other hormones as well. Changes in female hormone levels also affect the GI tract, so IBS symptoms may worsen at specific times throughout the menstrual cycle. Since these hormones can affect the transit time of food through the digestive tract, this might account for the predominance of IBS in women, although direct evidence is still lacking.
It is important to note that since there is no definitive proof of the source of IBS, many promoted potential causes and advertised cures of this syndrome are simply speculation.
Also Check: Ergotamine Pregnancy
Ibs Nausea And Vomiting
One particularly unpleasant symptom that a number of IBS sufferers deal with is nausea and vomiting.
I used to vomit regularly as a child, and continued to do so quite regularly as an adult, so I know that volatile and utterly wretched feeling very well.
For a long time I put this down to diet. Lets face it, thats where we always look for anything related to IBS or digestion. But for me this was not the case.
I no longer have IBS, nor the nausea and vomiting. And food was not the culprit. Intrigued?
Can Ibs Cause Fatigue And Lightheadedness
As many as half of people with IBS experience fatigue or exhaustion. A 2016 review found that fatigue occurred alongside other IBS symptoms, including bowel-related symptoms, psychological distress, and health-related impacts on quality of life. It was also found to be more common among younger females.
You May Like: What Can I Take For Diarrhea While Pregnant
Is There A Difference In The Way Nausea Feels When Its Caused By Cancer Vs Ibs
Or is all nausea the same, whether its caused by cancer or irritable bowel syndrome?
Nausea, regardless of whether its from colon cancer or IBS, in and of itself feels the same.
Nausea is a symptom that refers to a sick feeling in ones stomach that makes them feel as though vomiting is imminent.
Nausea can feel mild, moderate or severe, and can come in waves or be persistentwhether you have irritable bowel syndrome or colon cancer.
Easing Bloating And Cramping
IBS can cause bloating or cramps after eating. There are some things you can do which will ease any bloating or cramping you may have. These include:
- eating small but regular meals
- eating oats regularly
- avoiding foods that are hard to digest such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
- exercising regularly
Also Check: How Long Does Gerd Flare Up Last
What Are Symptoms Of Ibs And Nausea
IBS comes in many shapes and forms. The major symptoms of common digestive disorders include recurrent abdominal pain and bloating, heartburn, diarrhoea, and constipation. These symptoms can often improve of resolve after going to the toilet but commonly return soon after. Its also not uncommon to go through periods where symptoms are far more manageable but then have times where they worsen, such as during a flare-up.
Nausea, however, may not always be something we think about when talking about IBS but it commonly comes along with these other symptoms.
Waking up feeling sick or having little to no appetite can be another disruptive element of digestive issues. Not only is it a very unpleasant feeling, it can take a lot of the joy out of eating and socialising. Its these small things, like going out for dinner, that digestive symptoms disrupt the most.
Perhaps surprisingly, its this ongoing feeling of nausea that some find the most frustrating. In other situations, if there is the feeling of sickness, actually being sick resolves the issue. In these longer standing digestive situations there isnt the need to be sick. Just the feeling that persists.
What Are Ibs Symptoms
- Excess gas.
- Mucus in your poop .
Women with IBS may find that symptoms flare up during their periods. These symptoms often happen again and again, which can make you feel stressed or upset. As you learn management techniques and gain control over flare-ups, youll start to feel better, physically and mentally.
Also Check: Align Probiotic Gut Health
Probiotics For Nausea And Ibs
Probiotics are live bacteria similar to the gut bacteria and provide health benefits. They have been shown to improve GI function and symptoms such as nausea. One study showed that a 3-week period of taking probiotics containing Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus significantly reduced stress-related GI symptoms of pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Probiotics have also been shown to improve symptoms of IBS. One study of 77 IBS patients showed improvements to symptoms with probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. It was suggested that benefits arose through changes to the immune system.
What If There Were An Emotional Cause To Nausea And Vomiting
Nausea has been related to the emotion of resentment. This may sound a little strange. But I would urge you to stay open and really consider this for just a moment.
Do you currently feel resentment towards anyone or any situation in your life or in your past?
Is so, I would suggest you start focusing on this resentment.
Do you get triggered by a person or situation before you experience nausea and vomiting?
Or do you maybe have so much emotion already locked inside you from the past that was never released, that your body easily goes over the emotional threshold that it can handle?
If you are harbouring resentment, especially around past events, please dont underestimate it.
The energy of emotions that have not been released, usually because it was not socially acceptable, get stuck inside us. This may even have started in your childhood.
Different people can experience these blockages in different parts of the body. But two of my reference books written by experienced practitioners have established a link between resentment with nausea and vomiting. So this is worth considering.
Also Check: Does Probiotics Help With Colitis
When Should I See A Healthcare Provider
See your provider if you have symptoms more than three times a month for more than three months. And if you have symptoms less often, but they interfere with your life, its a good idea to talk to your provider.
Some symptoms may point to a more serious problem. Contact your provider as soon as possible if you have:
- Bleeding.
- Severe pain.
What Else Causes Nausea
Aside from conditions overlapping with IBS and medications, there are a range of other possible causes of nausea, including:
⢠Gastrointestinal disorders
⢠Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract
⢠Infections of the gastrointestinal tract
⢠Psychiatric illnesses
⢠Pregnancy
Several general guidelines may help reduce symptoms of nausea. These include:
⢠Avoid fried or greasy food
⢠Drink only clear fluids such as water, sports drink or broth
⢠Eat bland, light foods
⢠Avoid mixing hot and cold foods
⢠Avoid sweet food
However, if nausea is related to IBS, then several IBS-specific therapies may help improve nausea. These are listed below.
Also Check: Ultram And Constipation
Common Causes Of Nausea With Ibs
Nausea is a fairly common symptom for people with IBS. In a UCLA study of patients with IBS, about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men participating in the study reported nausea.
For people with IBS, feelings of nausea can be traced back to a few root causes. They include stress, eating problem foods, concurrent conditions, and medication.
Stress and Anxiety
Nausea is one of the bodys natural reactions to stress. When you experience something that makes you feel anxious, the brain releases serotonin.
Your stomach contains serotonin receptors. It reacts, often through feelings of nausea, to signal that something is wrong.
This is important to help you stay alert when you are in a dangerous situation.
But when you experience frequent or chronic stress and anxiety, your nausea response to serotonin can become disruptive.
Many people who have IBS also suffer from anxiety and depression. Some studies have suggested that those with IBS may have a more sensitive digestive system, especially when it comes to stress.
Eating Problem Foods
Some individuals experience nausea after eating specific foods. If you have allergies to foods like nuts, eggs or shellfish, you may have an immune response when eating them.
Nausea may be one result of your body launching histamine and other chemicals to fight off these foods.
Surprisingly, gas can also cause nausea. It might help to avoid gas-causing foods like these:
- Legumes
How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated
There’s no cure for IBS. But there are ways to take control of IBS symptoms.
Doctors often recommend:
- Diet changes. Some people with IBS find that careful eating helps ease or stop IBS symptoms. You might try avoiding very large meals, drinks with caffeine, spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, some dairy products, and foods that contain gluten. Some people find that adding fiber eating more fruits and vegetables, for instance and drinking more water can help stop IBS symptoms too. Also try eating regular meals, avoiding on-the-run eating, and paying attention to good nutrition.
- Lifestyle changes. If you have IBS that appears related to stress, you might want to make some changes. Consider ways to manage daily pressures, such as schoolwork, and make time for activities you enjoy. This might mean reducing stress by talking over problems with a school counselor or a therapist. Be sure to get enough sleep and exercise. Your doctor might recommend some stress-reduction techniques, like breathing exercises. Research also shows that hypnotherapy may help in managing IBS.
- Medicines. Doctors sometimes prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea, constipation, or cramps. Antidepressants may help some people with pain management and depression. Talk with your doctor before you try any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea, constipation, cramps, or other digestive problems.
Don’t Miss: Does Baking Soda Help With Heartburn