Typical Tummy Trouble or IBS: How to Tell the Difference

If you often rush out of the room because of bowel problems, like diarrhea or a tummy ache, it’s time to take a deeper look into your digestive health. Typical tummy trouble and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are uncomfortable and can be a source of embarrassment, but the latter requires professional care and management. 

At Salem Wellness Clinic in Salem, Oregon, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to digestive care. Naturopathic doctor Laika Rodriguez, ND, and family nurse practitioner Katy Hernandez, FNP, BC, review your symptoms and explore the root causes of your tummy troubles. Our team specializes in providing holistic treatment to settle your stomach and improve your long-term health. 

Signs of turmoil in your tummy

The occasional bout of diarrhea can be due to a disagreeable meal, medication, or an infection in your gut. These causes pass quickly but are uncomfortable and can drive you to search for solutions. 

You might worry about your digestive health because of these symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Painful bowel movements
• Gas
• Unusual features in your stool, like mucus or blood

IBS is distinct because it causes chronic symptoms.

Causes for concern

Experiencing long-term or repetitive tummy troubles is a concern. While you might not have diarrhea, cramps, bloating, or gas all the time, frequent symptoms are worth exploring with help from a trusted medical professional. 

The longer you experience recurring stomach symptoms, you’ll begin to notice some patterns. IBS can flare up when you encounter certain triggers, such as:

• High levels of stress
• Anxiety and depression
• Overeating
• Eating too fast
• Eating a spicy meal
• Eating lots of fat or fried foods
• Drinking coffee
• Drinking alcohol
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Your monthly menstrual cycle

While you might feel embarrassed to describe stool-related symptoms to our team, keep in mind that our providers are here to help. In fact, roughly 10-15% of adults in the United States present symptoms consistent with IBS. The majority are women, but men can have IBS too.

Experts aren’t sure of the exact causes of IBS, but they suspect neurological issues, intestinal muscle contractions, and gut microbiome imbalances as contributing factors. 

What we do

At Salem Wellness Clinic, our experts offer nutritional counseling, medications, mental health support, and other holistic recommendations to manage ongoing or repetitive IBS symptoms. 

If you have any concerns about your gut health and wellness, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can schedule an appointment online or over the phone with the team at your earliest convenience.