Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t the same for everyone. Many people are told they “just have IBS,” which can be frustrating if you’re wondering more. There are actually several IBS subtypes that each have their own patterns.
Understanding the type of IBS you have is an important step towards relief. At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we look beyond simply the name “irritable bowel syndrome” and identify and address the root causes driving your symptoms. Part of the right treatment approach depends on the subtype of IBS you are experiencing.
The Four Main Subtypes of IBS
IBS is usually broken down into four main categories that are based on bowel movement patterns.
- IBS-C (constipation-predominant)
- IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant)
- IBS-M (mixed bowel habits)
- IBS-U (unclassified IBS)
Symptoms of IBS-C
IBS-C comes from slow-moving digestion and difficulty having a bowel movement.
IBS-C symptoms include:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Pushing too hard while using the bathroom
- Feeling like your bowels are never really fully empty
Symptoms of IBS-D
IBS-D is about digestion that happens too quickly and causes overly frequent, urgent bowel movements.
Symptoms of IBS-D include:
- Loose or watery stools
- Feeling the need to use the toilet urgently
- Too many bowel movements
Symptoms of IBS-M
IBS-M is a combination of both constipation and diarrhea. It is also called IBS-A (alternating IBS).
IBS-M symptoms may include:
- Changing or alternating bowel habits
- Unpredictable digestion
- Variable stool consistency
Symptoms of IBS-U
IBS-U has symptoms that don’t neatly fall into the other categories of IBS.
With IBS-U, you may experience:
- Unpredictable bowel patterns
- Bloating, discomfort, or digestion problems without a clear pattern
- Symptoms not consistent with IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M
Post-Infectious IBS
Post-infectious IBS is another subtype of IBS that happens after an infection of the gut such as food poisoning or a stomach virus.
The symptoms are often similar to IBS-D or IBS-M, but the mechanism is different since it’s triggered by a specific event rather than something that gradually developed.
Treating IBS Subtypes
Treatment for IBS is never one-size-fits-all with PEAK Integrative Medicine. While your symptoms may fall into a specific category of IBS, we focus on addressing the root causes of your subtype.
We may look for signs of:
- Microbiome imbalances in the gut
- Persistent inflammation
- Specific food sensitivities
- Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis
We then take a personalized approach to the plan to help you with your IBS subtype with specific nutritional recommendations, lifestyle support, and supportive therapies to restore balance to your gut. We don’t just want you to be symptom-free but also want to help your body function the way it’s designed to.
Find Out Your IBS Subtype With the Help of PEAK Integrative Medicine
At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we want to help you get to the bottom of your IBS subtype. If you’re tired of being told you have IBS with no real answers, a Strategic Health Session is a good place to start. Book yours to find out if PEAK is the right fit for you.