Chest Pain in IBS Patients: Understanding the Causes and Other Facts
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a lousy gut problem that causes pain in the abdomen and spoils your poop habits. Sometimes, it can even give you pain in the chest. Yeah, we're talking about real chest pain, not that "Oh, it's just indigestion" nonsense.
IBS is all about those symptoms: constipation, diarrhea, or a mix of both, happening without any signs of damage to your digestive system. It's like a party in your gut, but not a fun one.
This article will dish you the lowdown on the reasons IBS can make you feel like something's gnawing at your heart. We'll also talk about other IBS symptoms and treatments, and when it's time to talk to a doctor.
IBS and Chest Pain
When talking about IBS, the fear and loathing usually comes from the abdomen. But sometimes, it can decide to mess with your chest too.
Anxiety is a common culprit behind IBS-related chest pain. A study states that folks with IBS are three times more likely to develop anxiety or depression than those without it. Not cool, IBS!
Older research suggests a connection between IBS and functional heartburn, which can cause chest pain. These researchers found that IBS seems to be linked more to functional heartburn than to good ol' GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Other IBS Symptoms
The usual IBS symptoms are adjustments in bowel movements and abdominal pain related to those movements. To get an IBS diagnosis, both symptoms must be present.
Changes in bowel movements linked to IBS can be diarrhea or constipation, or both. You can imagine how that would drive you up the wall.
Other IBS symptoms to watch out for include:
- the feeling of an unfinished business in the toilet
- abdominal bloating
- whitish mucus in stool
Although IBS can cause a lot of discomfort, it won't damage your digestive system. And for those ladies with a monthly visitor, IBS symptoms might get worse during that time. Learn more about IBS symptoms in females.
IBS Treatment
The game plan for IBS may involve lifestyle changes, dietary swaps, medications, and therapy.
Lifestyle Adjustments
A doc might suggest some changes to help manage IBS symptoms. These changes could include:
- exercising regularly
- getting enough sleep
- managing stress the best you can
Yep, that's right. Getting your z's and moving your body ain't just about looking good on vacation - it's about your health too!
Dietary Changes
Some foods can make IBS worse by being hard to digest. These foods contain something called FODMAPs. A doctor might recommend limiting the amount of FODMAPs in your diet or axing them altogether. Here are some FODMAP-rich foods to avoid:
- fruits like apples, mango, and pears
- veggies like cauliflower, garlic, and onions
- dairy products
- wheat and rye products
- other foods with FODMAPs like honey and high fructose corn syrup
And don't forget about dried fruit. It's tasty, but it can also trigger IBS symptoms.
Medications
Doctors might prescribe medications to treat specific IBS symptoms. For example, they might use eluxadoline, loperamide, or rifaximin to sort out diarrhea, and laxatives, fiber supplements, or other meds to manage constipation.
If you're feeling pain in the abdomen, a doc might prescribe you antispasmodics. Probiotics, which are like tiny living microorganisms, might help treat IBS symptoms too.
Therapy
Mental health therapies can help folks with IBS. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and gut-directed hypnotherapy. These techniques can help you chill out, manage your symptoms, and live your best life in spite of IBS.
When to Talk to a Doc
If you have IBS, it's important to talk to a doctor if your symptoms become unbearable or worsen over time.
You should also see a doc if you experience:
- unexplained weight loss
- blood in your poop
- diarrhea at night
- rectal bleeding
- symptoms of anemia, like fatigue, skin paleness, and lightheadedness
It's a good idea to chat with a doc if you have a family history of digestive diseases like colon cancer, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Wrapping Things Up
IBS is a chronic gut disorder that brings pain in the abdomen and spoils your pooping habits. Anxiety is one reason IBS might make you feel like a lion is gnawing at your heart, but there are other factors at play too.
Join us next time as we dive deeper into IBS-related chest pain and the various ways to combat this frustrating condition. Until then, take care of yourself, bud!
- IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, can sometimes cause chest pain, not just the typical abdominal pain.
- Anxiety is a common cause of IBS-related chest pain, with people with IBS being three times more likely to develop anxiety or depression.
- Older research suggests a connection between IBS and functional heartburn, a condition that can cause chest pain.
- Besides adjustments in bowel movements and abdominal pain, other IBS symptoms include the feeling of an unfinished business in the toilet, abdominal bloating, and the presence of whitish mucus in stool.
- Linaclotide is a medication that may be used to treat IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain and constipation.
