IBS often includes a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Contact a doctor for IBS if you experience severe diarrhea, extreme pain or intense cramping, or non-GI-related symptoms, such as dizziness.

When you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), experiencing any symptoms, even mild ones, can affect your quality of life.

If you’re living with IBS, you likely know, or a healthcare professional has likely told you, that there are times when your symptoms can get worse. Sometimes, other severe symptoms may occur that you think are related to your IBS but are really caused by another condition.

Because your doctor knows your unique health history, they can establish guidelines in advance to help you answer the questions “Is this expected?” and “Is this worth calling my doctor about?”

Read on for specific instances and occasions that warrant making an appointment with your healthcare professional.

While researchers don’t exactly know what causes IBS, many factors can contribute.

You may go through periods where you have no IBS symptoms at all. Then, you may experience severe symptoms. Over time, those with IBS tend to learn their symptoms and their triggers.

Generally, if you experience any symptoms that are not typical for you, appear with other concerning symptoms, or are more severe than usual, call your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.

You should consider reaching out to a doctor or healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping: While you may experience occasional abdominal pain, having severe pain and cramping is a warning sign that immediate medical care is needed.
  • Mucus in your stool: When your gastrointestinal tract is irritated, your colon may sometimes start releasing mucus. People with IBS can produce large amounts of mucus.
  • Severe diarrhea or constipation: While diarrhea and constipation may be symptoms of your condition, any symptoms out of the ordinary for you, such as an extended time of either symptom, can or show cause for concern.
  • Starting a new medication regimen: If you’ve recently started new medications related to your IBS, you may also wish to call your doctor and ask if any new symptoms are related to your medications.

You sometimes may have abdominal symptoms you think are related to your IBS but are actually symptoms of another condition.

If you notice any of the following, you should get medical attention right away:

Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools could indicate the presence of a GI bleed, where an area of your intestine or stomach is bleeding. Blood in the stool is not a typical symptom associated with IBS.

About 50% of people with IBS might experience non-GI-related symptoms such as sleep disturbances, pain, or fatigue, according to a 2022 review.

Other symptoms you may experience that do not typically occur with IBS include:

  • feeling dizzy
  • joint, skin, or eye discomfort
  • pain that is getting progressively worse
  • acute or sudden onset pain
  • significant lack of appetite
  • sudden weight loss
  • symptoms that occur only at night and cause you to wake up frequently
  • fever
  • symptoms of anemia such as weakness, pale skin, fast heart rate, and shortness of breath

If you have a family history of serious gastrointestinal disorders and experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Examples of these disorders include inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or cancer.

Can IBS cause excruciating pain?

IBS pain can vary from person to person and even from attack to attack, ranging from mild to excruciating. Any severe or acute pain is a reason to call your doctor, even if you believe it to be IBS-related.

Why do people with IBS experience non-GI-related symptoms?

A 2022 review article notes that some people with IBS live with other conditions, such as lower back pain and, less commonly, postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS). They might also experience headaches and dizziness.

This review suggests that gravity intolerance might cause people with IBS to misinterpret G-forces, which can lead to non-IG-related symptoms, such as dizziness and mental distress. However, more research is necessary to confirm and fully understand this process.

How do you deal with severe IBS pain?

You can sometimes manage severe IBS pain due to a flare at home by taking antispasmodic medications, applying heat to the abdomen, and practicing relaxing activities such as sipping IBS-friendly teas.

Typically, the best way to manage IBS pain is to learn your triggers and adjust your eating pattern and lifestyle activities to help avoid flares.

Can the hospital do anything for IBS pain?

If you’re experiencing IBS pain, it’s always better to get medical attention than to try and tough it out or treat your pain at home. Healthcare professionals can often provide treatment to ease your symptoms, making them more bearable.

They can also evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they’re the result of another, possibly more serious condition.

Pain is often a common symptom of IBS. But you should take severe IBS pain seriously.

People with IBS generally become familiar with their symptoms. Discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your doctor to rule out other complications and help you manage your pain.

Severe pain, along with other symptoms such as dizziness, fever, lack of appetite, or changes in skin, requires immediate medical attention.

If your doctor believes your pain can be managed pain at home, they’ll advise you of steps you can take to ease your discomfort, such as applying heat and using peppermint oil.

But for many people with IBS, prevention and trigger avoidance is the best way to reduce the chances of a painful IBS attack.