Is It Gas, IBS, or Something Serious? When to Get a Gut Check Done?
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
14 June, 2025
The incidence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in India has increased in the last decade or so, but it is still much lower than the west, with a rate of 4-7% annually. It starts off as you having digestive issues to certain foods you may have eaten, which function as triggers. Then, it progresses to changes in bowel habits which seem to last for longer than 3 months in duration, along with bloating and other problems. Though IBS is a temporary condition and cannot cause any lasting damage to the gut, it can still make your life pretty miserable.
Difference Between Gas And IBS Symptoms-
Gas or bloating happens when you have eaten gassy foods like cabbages, potatoes, certain dals, milk if you are lactose intolerant or similar foods and if you have been passing gas and feeling better or the pain seems to be moving around or getting better when you walk, then you will just need to wait for some time as the symptoms will go away once the food has been digested completely. Gases are normally produced due to the bacteria fermenting foods in the gut but at times, it can be a little hard to deal with when there is more than usual.
People with IBS do experience bloating, but they may also have bowel changes, severe cramping, constipation or diarrhoea and may not be able to digest certain foods at all. They may have mucus in their stool and feel too full or have flare ups every now and then, when they are more stressed than usual. Certain foods can be major triggers and IBS is a chronic condition that won’t go away that easily. Some people do well with probiotic supplements while for others, it may worsen their symptoms. This goes to show how unique IBS can be, for each person.
How To Tell If Digestive Issues Are Serious?
If you have digestive issues which just don’t seem to be getting better even if you cut down on the main irritants and you vomit or notice blood in your stool, seem to be losing weight for no apparent reason and feel weak randomly, it is time you get assessed thoroughly. Pain of any kind is a warning sign and persistent stomach or abdominal pain is a major red flag. If your bloating does not seem to get better for a few days and you have either diarrhoea or constipation, feel the need to pee often and have a fever while dealing with a few or all of these symptoms, you need to get checked right away.
Signs IBS Is Not Just IBS-
The same major red flag symptoms apply here too- like bleeding in your stool, weight loss, cannot swallow food or water comfortably, if you are in constant agony due to pain or have diarrhoea that seems to come and go only at night, then you should look at other possibilities like IBD, Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, diverticulitis, endometriosis or even colon cancer. Detailed testing needs to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
IBS Symptoms vs. Colon Cancer Symptoms-
Colon cancer is often diagnosed late as the symptoms mimic so many other common conditions which can be mistaken for IBS, IBD, celiac disease or some such gut related condition. Along with cramping, if blood loss, bloody stools and quick weight loss occur, then it may be easier to understand that it is NOT IBS.
Conclusion
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome is different from IBD as only the function of the gut or digestive system gets affected but there are no structural anomalies. IBD is characterised by chronic inflammation and is an autoimmune disease in some capacity. Examples include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They may also have to deal with liver issues, anemia, deficiencies and may have really bad appetites too. IBS is chronic but does not cause any lasting damage to the gut. When symptoms feel different than usual, you should get checked as it may be a warning sign of something worse happening in your body.
