Condition
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Plain-language guides to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): symptoms, IBS vs IBD, low-FODMAP and other diets, medications, and managing flares.
Start here
- IBS vs IBD: Key Differences, Red Flags, and the Tests Doctors Use ›
- Low FODMAP Diet for IBS: Step-by-Step (Elimination, Reintroduction, Personalization) ›
- IBS Treatment Options (Evidence-Based): Diet, OTC Meds, Prescriptions, and Therapy ›
- IBS-D (Diarrhea-Predominant): Causes, Triggers, and a Stepwise Relief Plan ›
- IBS-C (Constipation-Predominant): Symptoms, Triggers, and a Stepwise Relief Plan ›
- IBS Flare Action Plan: What to Do in the Next 24–72 Hours ›
Looking for something specific? Browse every article by topic.
Bristol Stool Chart for IBS: How to Identify Your Subtype (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M)
Use the Bristol Stool Chart for IBS to compare types 1-7, track a 2-week diary, and see how 25% cutoffs help identify IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M.
Celiac vs IBS: When to Test for Gluten-Related Disease
Celiac vs IBS symptoms can overlap. Learn when to test, what tTG-IgA and total IgA show, and why you should keep eating gluten before testing.
Endometriosis vs IBS: Overlapping Symptoms and Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Endometriosis vs IBS: compare cycle timing, pelvic and bowel symptoms, and red flags like blood in stool. Learn what to track for your doctor.
First Gastroenterologist Appointment: What to Expect for IBS or IBD
Know what your first GI visit involves and walk in prepared.
Food and Symptom Diary: Free Template for IBS, IBD and GI Visits
Track meals, stools and symptoms in a format your GI can read in minutes.
Gluten and IBS: Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity vs FODMAP Wheat (How to Test It)
Gluten and IBS symptoms may come from wheat fructans. Use a 4-step elimination and reintroduction plan to compare gluten and fructan triggers.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS: What It Is, What Studies Show, and How to Try It
Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS may ease symptoms for some people. Explore 12-study findings, CBT and digital options, plus a program checklist.
How to Get Diagnosed With IBS: Tests, Criteria and Which Doctor
The IBS diagnosis pathway, from first visit and Rome V criteria to tests and red flags.
IBD and IBS Overlap: Symptoms Worse but Inflammation Normal
IBD and IBS overlap can cause cramping, urgency and loose stools despite normal inflammation. Learn key thresholds, other causes and what to track.
IBS Alarm Symptoms: When to Worry (and When You Need a Colonoscopy)
IBS alarm symptoms include blood in stool, weight loss, nighttime diarrhea and anemia. Learn when to seek care, get tests or consider a colonoscopy.
IBS and Periods: Why Symptoms Spike Before Menstruation (and What Helps)
IBS and periods can worsen bloating, cramps, diarrhea or constipation. Learn why hormones play a role and what may help, including two-cycle tracking.
IBS Antispasmodics (Dicyclomine, Hyoscyamine): Benefits, Side Effects, Tips
IBS antispasmodics such as dicyclomine and hyoscyamine may ease cramps. Learn evidence limits, common side effects, safety tips, and tracking.
IBS Bloating vs Abdominal Distension: Why Your Belly Looks Bigger (and What Helps)
IBS bloating vs abdominal distension: understand why your belly feels or looks bigger, explore a 2 to 6-week low FODMAP trial, and track triggers.
IBS-C (Constipation-Predominant): Symptoms, Triggers, and a Stepwise Relief Plan
IBS-C symptoms, triggers, and relief options explained. Follow a stepwise plan with tracking, psyllium, low FODMAP, PEG, and prescription treatments.
IBS-D (Diarrhea-Predominant): Causes, Triggers, and a Stepwise Relief Plan
IBS-D causes, triggers and treatment options explained. Follow a stepwise plan covering symptom tracking, a low FODMAP diet, medications and red flags.
IBS Flare Action Plan: What to Do in the Next 24–72 Hours
What to do during an IBS flare: use this 24-72-hour plan for meals, hydration, diarrhea or constipation, and red flags. Start a flare log.
IBS-M (Mixed): Why Symptoms Alternate (and How to Treat Without Whiplash)
IBS-M alternating constipation and diarrhea? Learn why symptoms switch, what to track with the Bristol Stool Chart, and steadier treatment strategies.
IBS Treatment Options (Evidence-Based): Diet, OTC Meds, Prescriptions, and Therapy
IBS treatment options by symptom: compare low FODMAP, psyllium, OTC and prescription medicines, and gut-directed therapy. Build a plan in Aidy.
IBS vs IBD: Key Differences, Red Flags, and the Tests Doctors Use
IBS vs IBD: compare inflammation and red flags, then learn how calprotectin, CRP, and colonoscopy help doctors decide what to test next.
Linaclotide vs Plecanatide vs Lubiprostone for IBS-C: What’s the Difference?
Linaclotide vs plecanatide vs lubiprostone: compare IBS-C dosing, benefits, diarrhea and nausea rates to prepare for your clinician visit.
Low FODMAP Diet for IBS: Step-by-Step (Elimination, Reintroduction, Personalization)
Low FODMAP diet for IBS: follow a 2-6 week elimination, 3-day food challenges and personalization plan to identify triggers without over-restricting.
Low FODMAP Food List (Printable) + What to Eat in a Pinch
Low FODMAP food list with screenshot-friendly staples and quick breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas. Build a simpler IBS grocery and meal plan.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction vs IBS-C: When Constipation Needs a Different Approach
Pelvic floor dysfunction vs IBS-C: compare pain, straining and incomplete emptying, then learn when manometry, balloon testing or biofeedback may help.
Peppermint Oil for IBS: Does It Work? How to Take It (and Who Should Avoid It)
Peppermint oil for IBS may ease abdominal pain and cramping. Learn why enteric-coated capsules matter, how to take them, and who should avoid them.