Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. IBS is considered a chronic condition, but many people experience periods of mild or no symptoms interspersed with acute “flare ups” where symptoms are severe. Flare ups can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. A common question for IBS sufferers is – how long will this flare up last?
What is an IBS flare up?
An IBS flare up refers to a period where IBS symptoms suddenly worsen and become more frequent and intense. This is in contrast to the baseline level of symptoms a person normally experiences. Flare ups may be triggered by potential IBS instigators like:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Food triggers
- Disruption to daily routine
- An infection
- Use of antibiotics
During a flare up, abdominal pain and cramping become more constant and severe, bowel movements may increase or decrease, stool consistency often changes, and nausea, gas, bloating, and other issues are exaggerated. Flare ups can range from mild to completely debilitating.
How long do IBS flare ups usually last?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the duration of an IBS flare up can vary quite a bit from person to person. Some general guidelines on IBS flare up duration include:
- Mild flare ups may last a few days to a week
- Moderate flare ups can last 1-3 weeks
- Severe flare ups may continue for a month or longer
The wide range demonstrates how individualized IBS can be. Flare up duration depends on severity of symptoms, how quickly triggers can be identified and managed, how the body responds to treatment interventions, and more.
What impacts the duration of an IBS flare up?
Some key factors that play a role in the duration of an IBS flare up include:
Severity of Symptoms
More severe symptoms tend to last longer. Mild abdominal discomfort and loose stools may resolve within a few days. Excruciating abdominal cramping, debilitating diarrhea, or complete constipation may persist for weeks or months.
Ability to Identify Triggers
Identifying and eliminating triggers like specific foods, medications, or stressors can cut a flare up short. But when triggers are unknown or unavoidable, symptoms are likely to continue.
Use of Medications
Certain medications like antispasmodics, loperamide, or antidepressants may help control or reduce symptoms during a flare up. Effective use of medications can shorten duration.
Response to Diet Changes
Eliminating potential problem foods and ensuring proper hydration can help manage symptoms. But benefits take trial and error and time.
Stress Levels
High stress often prolongs flare ups. Lowering stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or medication may promote symptom relief.
Underlying Infections or Imbalances
Disorders like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may underlie worsening symptoms. Treating these conditions can end an extended flare up.
Bowel Habits and Stool Consistency
Diarrhea tends to be more short-lived than constipation. Treating and normalizing bowel habit abnormalities can speed recovery.
Treatments to shorten IBS flare up duration
Although each flare up is unique, there are some general treatments that may help reduce duration:
- Avoid trigger foods – Eliminating foods linked to symptoms like FODMAPs, dairy, fat, caffeine.
- Take antispasmodics – Medications to relieve spasms and cramping like dicyclomine or hyoscyamine.
- Use anti-diarrheals – Such as loperamide to control diarrhea.
- Increase soluble fiber – Slowly boost fiber from foods or supplements to help form stool.
- Try probiotics – Specific strains may reduce symptoms for some. Need to find effective brand.
- Rule out other conditions – Test for infections, SIBO, intolerances that could prolong flares.
- Reduce stress – Practice yoga, meditation, counseling to improve coping.
- Stay hydrated – Drink water and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
Using a combination approach is ideal. Work closely with your doctor to find the right treatments to manage your individual symptoms.
Lifestyle changes to reduce flare up frequency and duration
Making certain lifestyle adjustments may help reduce flare up frequency and duration over the long-term:
- Follow an IBS-friendly diet – Low FODMAP, limit caffeine, alcohol, and gas-producing foods.
- Take regular exercise – Especially exercises involving the core/abdomen, like yoga, Pilates.
- Manage stress – Practice relaxation techniques, get counseling, reduce responsibilities.
- Improve sleep habits – Lack of sleep can trigger symptoms.
- Consider cognitive behavioral therapy – CBT can help improve coping with chronic IBS.
- Keep a symptom journal – Track triggers, diet, stressors, treatments.
- Join a support group – Support from others with IBS can help reduce stress.
When to see your doctor
Make sure to consult your doctor if:
- Flare up and symptoms are significantly impacting quality of life.
- Symptoms persist longer than normal after making medication and dietary changes.
- You experience blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or fever.
- Symptoms are not improving after 3-4 weeks.
- You develop new or worsening symptoms.
- You are concerned about becoming dehydrated.
Proper medical care can help develop an effective treatment plan and rule out any worrisome complications. Your doctor may adjust medications, order testing, or provide new symptom management suggestions.
Seeking emergency care
Most IBS flare ups can be managed at home with self-care and by consulting your usual doctor. However, in some cases emergency care may be needed, such as if you experience:
- Intense, unrelenting abdominal pain
- Inability to keep down fluids due to vomiting
- Fever over 101 F
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Significant rectal bleeding
- Confusion, fainting, or signs of shock
Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can cause dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Intestinal blockages or perforations, pancreatitis, and other serious conditions can also sometimes initially manifest with IBS-like symptoms before progressing. So severe or concerning symptoms should be evaluated in an emergency department.
Coping strategies during a flare up
Coping with an IBS flare up can be challenging. Here are some tips to help get through a difficult flare:
- Be prepared – Have OTC medications, hydrating drinks, and toiletries easily available.
- Eat smaller, simpler meals – Avoid large meals and stick with simple foods to reduce intestinal workload.
- Learn about IBS – Understanding the condition can reduce anxiety about symptoms.
- Practice stress management – Use calming techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
- Distract yourself – Read books, try puzzles, watch movies.
- Use hot packs – Heating pads and hot water bottles can relieve abdominal pain.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing – Avoid belts and elastic that can aggravate bloating.
- Communicate with loved ones – Share what you’re going through so people understand if you need to cancel plans.
- Get counseling if needed – Therapists can help manage emotional ups and downs.
Being patient with yourself and finding ways to boost comfort during a flare up is key. The active flare will pass even though it may feel endless in the moment.
How long should an IBS flare up last before seeing a doctor?
As a general guideline, you should consult your doctor if an IBS flare up lasts:
- 1-2 weeks without improvement using over-the-counter medications and self-care techniques.
- 10-14 days if symptoms are significantly interrupting work, school, relationships, and activities.
- Over 3-4 weeks even if you are seeing some symptom reduction.
Prolonged, stubborn flare ups may indicate an underlying condition or complication requiring specialized testing or treatment. It’s important not to delay seeking medical advice. You and your doctor may need to adjust your standard IBS treatment plan to get the flare under control.
How to prevent IBS flare ups
While flare ups may be unavoidable at times, you can take steps to prevent and minimize them:
- Follow a low FODMAP diet – Avoid foods that can trigger IBS issues.
- Limit stress – Make time for relaxing activities and use stress-reduction techniques.
- Take medications regularly – Such as fiber supplements, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals.
- Get enough sleep – Fatigue makes symptoms worse.
- Stay active – Regular exercise provides physical and mental health benefits.
- Consider probiotics – May help restore gut bacteria balance for some people.
- Avoid trigger foods – Especially for 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Manage antidepressant use – Work with doctor regarding tapering or switching if side effects aggravate symptoms.
Keep detailed records in a symptom journal so you can identify triggers and customize your prevention strategies.
When to see a gastroenterologist
It’s a good idea to have at least an initial consultation with a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) if you are experiencing:
- Frequent or severe IBS flare ups
- Persistent symptoms that significantly disrupt quality of life
- Symptoms that are not improving with standard treatments
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool
- Severe or persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Need for evaluation for other possible gastrointestinal conditions
A gastroenterologist has specialized expertise in intestinal disorders and can help diagnose IBS, rule out other conditions, provide targeted treatment options, and monitor your health.
Takeaways
The duration of an IBS flare up can range quite a bit from a few days to a month or longer depending on the severity of symptoms, trigger factors, and responsiveness to treatment. Pay attention to your body and consult your doctor if a flare up is not improving within 1-2 weeks or is significantly interrupting your normal functioning. Have coping strategies prepared to help you through difficult flares. Over the long term, lifestyle adjustments to prevent flare ups are key.