Once thought to be a condition found solely in younger populations, experts now know that IBS can be present in older people as well.

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition in which multiple symptoms appear together, creating recurring abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction.

Common symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

While IBS is an uncomfortable condition, it’s not directly linked with more serious diseases like cancer. Often, it can be managed through dietary changes, medications, and stress management.

This article examines how IBS affects the older population, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

To date, there still isn’t a definitive answer regarding a single cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) specifically in older populations. Several preliminary studies have offered a few working theories.

A potential link between aging and IBS

Brain atrophy is a normal part of aging. The brain contains both gray and white matter, with gray matter volume decreasing significantly beginning in our 20s and continuing through our 70s.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source found a link between decreased gray matter density and abnormal pain-related activation in people with IBS.

Researchers noted that it’s unclear whether a decline in grey matter volume can be considered a risk factor for IBS or a result of it. More research in this area is needed.

Common risk factors for IBS

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesTrusted Source (NIDDK), people with IBS, regardless of their age, tend to have one or more of these common underlying factors:

  • digestive tract bacterial infections
  • bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
  • genetic predisposition to developing IBS
  • food sensitivities or intolerances that can create digestive upset
  • stressful early life events, like physical or sexual abuse
  • mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even somatic symptom disorder

Is irritable bowel syndrome common in older populations?

A 2024 study found that the prevalence of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders increases with age due to physiological changes and other declines associated with aging. Researchers estimate 10% to 20% of older adults experience symptoms consistent with an IBS diagnosis.

Although the cause of IBS in older adults isn’t well known, the symptoms tend to be the sameTrusted Source across all ages. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain that’s usually related to bowel movements, diarrhea, and constipation.

Other symptoms can include:

  • feeling like bowel movements aren’t finished
  • whitish mucus in stool
  • bloating
  • nausea

There are multiple approaches to treating IBS — across all age demographics. For most people, a multifaceted strategy is needed to control IBS symptoms and alleviate discomfort.

Treatment strategies include:

  • dietary changes
  • stress management
  • lifestyle changes
  • prescription medications

While most treatment methods are similar for younger populations, treatment for older adults usually focuses on lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as incorporating psychological therapy and support.

Medications to treat IBS

Of all the methods for treating IBS, prescribing medications is usually cautioned against for older adults. This is because there’s often a heightened risk of side effects or even interactions with other prescribed drugs.

However, over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage symptoms such as loperamide (Imodium) or even laxatives to soften stool might be recommended. Likewise, your doctor might recommend probiotics as well as coated peppermint oil capsulesTrusted Source.

If your doctor does prescribe medication, such as Bentyl (dicyclomine), for your IBS symptoms, follow their instructions carefully.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or fiber supplements you may be taking. They can design a schedule that avoids medication interactions.

Stress reduction

IBS has a strong brain-gut connection. Mental stress, anxiety, and depression can activate chemicals in the brain, which can turn on pain signals in the gut. This is why unhappiness or stress sometimes causes a stomach ache or a churning in your stomach.

Improving your mental health may help improve your digestive health.

For many people with IBS, flare-ups can often be linked to specific high-stress situations. Learning to manage stress through cognitive therapy or even mindfulness techniques can help reduce your body’s reactionTrusted Source to those experiences and limit IBS symptoms.

Talk with your doctor or therapist about the best ways to help manage your stress and reduce your IBS symptoms.

Because a common risk factor for IBSTrusted Source includes previous food sensitivities, reviewing and adjusting dietary choices might be one of the best steps you can take to ease symptoms.

Along with avoiding known triggers, your doctor or dietitian might recommend that you eat more fiber to control constipation or avoid gluten because it’s a known irritant even for people who don’t have celiac disease.

Consider a low FODMAP diet

Another option for many IBS patients is adopting a low FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols.

A 2023 study found that a FODMAP diet can reduce symptoms and increase quality of life for people with IBS.

However the study did note that a low-FODMAP diet does raise challenges in terms of how it might change intestinal microbial flora. Researchers recommended additional research to confirm its benefits and study potential adverse affects.

Early researchTrusted Source on FODMAP diets and IBS found that certain elements of the diet can trigger symptoms, including:

  • fructose sugar, found in many fruits and vegetables as well as table sugar
  • lactose from dairy products
  • fructans, a substance found in many grains
  • galactans found in legumes
  • polyols, a sugar alcohol found in many sugar substitutes as well as some fruits and vegetables

However, a 2024 study looked at adaptations of the FODMAP diet in treating gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS. Researchers found that these less-restrictive adaptations, such as the FODMAP-gentle approach, optimized treatment benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Probiotics

Most people are familiar with probiotics as a stand-alone supplement or ingredient in foods that can aid in gut health. Since several factors can contribute to IBS — with small-bowel bacterial overgrowth being one of them — probiotics may help maintain healthy bacteria levels.

A 2003 studyTrusted Source that followed 25 IBS patients found that those who consumed probiotics reported less bloating.

And a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that probiotics were effective and safe for people with IBS.

Living with IBS

No matter what your age is, living with IBS can be stressful and take its toll on your mental health — which of course, can make your IBS symptoms worse.

To achieve your best quality of life, take advantage of the resources available to you. Talk with your doctor about local support groups, or try any of these online resources:

IBS can be an uncomfortable condition to live with, and can also affect your quality of life and mental health if left untreated. This digestive issue usually carries the same symptoms seen in younger people.

While the cause of IBS in older people is still debatable, experts agree that a holistic approach, including dietary and lifestyle changes, stress management, psychological therapies, and medication if needed, is needed to control symptoms and improve outlook.