Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may affect your quality of life, IBS is not life threatening and doesn’t lead to more serious health conditions.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or cramping, may range from mild to severe.

However, healthcare professionals do not consider it to be life threatening.

Read on to learn more about whether IBS poses risks to your health, how to manage your symptoms, and when to get medical help.

Is IBS dangerous?

IBS doesn’t pose a serious threat to your health.

A 2020 study involving 45,500 people with IBS in Sweden noted that IBS did not seem to increase their risk of death.

Having IBS may lower your quality of life, but it does not increase your risk of:

developing cancer (according to a 2022 study, it may even lower your risk of colorectal cancer)
permanent damage to your GI tract
progressing to a more serious inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

When does IBS become serious?

If you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to the common symptoms described below, it may indicate a more serious health issue. Contact a doctor as soon as possible:

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The symptoms of IBS may vary by person but commonly include some of the following:

abdominal pain and cramping
diarrhea
constipation
gas and bloating
mucus in your stool
intolerance to foods, especially those that contain lactose or cause gas
fatigue

When to get medical help

If you have more serious IBS symptoms, contact a doctor right away to determine what’s causing them.

Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience extreme pain, your symptoms change, or you notice new symptoms.

Is IBS curable or permanent?

IBS is a chronic (long-term) condition. Currently, there is no cure, but you can manage your symptoms to improve your quality of life.

The symptoms of IBS may come and go. You may have flare-ups that last from hours to weeks, and then it may go into remission.

How is IBS treated?

Healthcare professionals treat IBS by advising lifestyle changes along with medications, such as:

Imodium (ioperamide), Xifaxan (rifaximin), or other medications to treat diarrhea
Amitiza (iubiprostone), Linzess (linoclotide), fiber supplements, or laxatives to treat constipation
antidepressants to treat stomach pain
antispasmodics to regulate muscle contractions

These home remedies may help relieve some IBS symptoms:

eating more fiber
eating less dairy, and other foods that may trigger flare-ups
exercising
reducing stress by meditating, practicing mindfulness, or other methods
consuming probiotics in food or supplements
getting enough sleep

Learn more about IBS treatment.

What happens if you have IBS for a long time?

Having IBS for a long time won’t cause permanent damage to your digestive tract or increase your risk of developing cancer. However, it may affect your quality of life.

In a survey involving 3,254 participants with IBS in the United States, more than half of the participants described the symptoms as “very bothersome.” The participants who were employed or in school said they missed about 1.5 work days or school days per month.

The effect of IBS on the quality of life of the survey participants depended on the following symptoms:

Participants with IBS-related constipation (IBS-C) reported feeling self-conscious, having difficulty concentrating, and avoiding sex.
Those with IBS experiencing diarrhea (IBS-D) indicated they avoided places without restrooms, had difficulty making plans, and were reluctant to travel.

Can I live a normal life with IBS?

The symptoms of IBS may negatively affect your quality of life.

However, there are ways to manage IBS and live a typical life. Lifestyle changes can help, such as:

Follow a low FODMAP diet, which reduces symptoms in 50% to 80% of people with IBS.
Exercise regularly.
Take measures to reduce stress.
Get enough sleep.
Take medications that your doctor recommends to help relieve your symptoms.

Takeaway

IBS is a chronic (long-term) condition with symptoms that may affect your quality of life. However, IBS does not have long-term health risks. It won’t progress to cancer, damage your intestines, or cause other serious complications.

If you have uncommon symptoms like extreme pain, bloody diarrhea, or rectal bleeding, contact a doctor immediately.

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Can IBS Pose Long-Term Risks to Your Health?