What happens if IBS goes untreated?
Although there is no 'cure' for IBS, the symptoms can often be managed through diet and lifestyle changes, supplements or medication. What happens if IBS is left untreated will depend on your symptoms. Whilst there is no reason to believe that IBS could develop into a more series condition, the symptoms could gradually get worse.
Does IBS get worse if left untreated?
IBS isn't considered an inflammatory condition meaning it isn't associated with the development of other inflammatory bowel conditions such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) or Crohn's disease. However, depending on the type of symptoms you are experiencing, plus the likely cause of the symptoms, your symptoms could potentially persist or even get worse as time goes on if they aren't properly managed.
Some people experience IBS daily whilst for others the symptoms are more sporadic. This could also have a bearing on how your symptoms develop over time.
Below I explore some of the different types of IBS and how the symptoms associated with these could progress over time if they aren't properly managed:
1. IBS-C
IBS-C is characterised by constipation. If left untreated, symptoms associated with IBS-C could become more chronic or translate into other issues, some of which are as follows:
- Pain and discomfort. A bunged-up bowel could give rise to pain or discomfort the longer it goes on. Your bowel should be opening at least once daily, on average, or else you could be considered constipated and experience some other unwanted symptoms as a result of this.
- Bloating. Bloating is a common symptom associated with IBS-C as the bowel becomes blocked up and the bacteria within the gut continue to ferment.
- Haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids or piles are commonly associated with symptoms of constipation. These can be uncomfortable and could risk getting worse as time goes on if the underlying constipation isn't properly managed.
- Diverticulitis. Occasionally constipation can contribute to other issues such as diverticulitis as it can encourages the bowel to bulge or create unhelpful pockets as a result of the backlog of waste.
What can be done to help?
When it comes to IBS-C and managing the symptoms in the long-term, my advice is as follows:
- Drink plenty of water. At least 1.5l-2l of water daily could help to manage many of the symptoms of IBS-C. Aim to drink plain, still water as other drinks don't count towards your total intake – they should be extras only!
- Up your fibre. Whilst FODMAPs could prove tricky for some, upping your fibre intake and eating fresh foods is often an important step in helping to keep your bowel moving. Consuming enough water alongside the fibre will help to maximise the benefits.
- Try a natural remedy. Silicol Gel is licensed for the relief of the symptoms of IBS and could help to calm the gut during a flare up.
2. IBS-D
If you experience IBS-D, how will these symptoms develop if they are left untreated? I explore some important considerations:
- Nutrient deficiencies. Whilst the impact could be minor in some cases, if food is consistently moving through your gut too quickly then you could be more likely to have an issue absorbing all the key nutrients that you need to keep feeling at your best.
- Dysbiosis. Whilst the causes of IBS can be varied, in some cases dysbiosis or an imbalance in good gut bacteria could be having a part to play. Also, if you are going to the loo often, or if any undigested food appears in your stools, this could potentially throw the balance of your good gut bacteria off further.
What can be done to help?
When it comes to IBS-D and managing the symptoms in the long-term, the advice is as follows:
- Consider some of the possible causes. Stress or mental health issues, gut dysbiosis as a result of poor diet, unhelpful lifestyle practices, previous gastric infections, or inadequate digestion characterised by other symptoms such as acid reflux or recurrent indigestion could all have a part to play when it comes to IBS-D. Therefore, identifying the likely cause can help tailor how you should go about treating your main symptoms.
- Top up your nutrients with Balance Mineral Drink. Balance Mineral Drink combines key nutrients including magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium plus vitamin D to help keep you feeling at your best.
3. IBS-M
IBS-M is often characterised by alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea. If this goes untreated longer-term it could be linked with some of the following:
- Anxiety or mental health issues. It's long been recognised that IBS has links with mental health symptoms such as anxiety as there is a well-established gut-brain axis, but it is often less clear which symptom drives which. However, ongoing digestive symptoms could definitely risk taking their toll on your stress levels or even quality of life if they aren't suitably managed.
- Bloating, pain or discomfort. When it comes to alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea, underlying constipation is very often at the root of the problem and therefore driving many of the other symptoms. In this case, many of the symptoms commonly associated with constipation can often crop up including bloating, discomfort or even haemorrhoids, plus the unpredictable onset of diarrhoea.
What can be done to help?
As constipation is often at the root of the cause when it comes to IBS-M, much of the advice mentioned above applies here too. Drink water, opt for low-FODMAP, high-fibre foods if FODMAPs can be tricky, plus, use digestive remedies such as Silicol Gel or Molkosan to help manage the symptoms in the short and long-term respectively.
Keep an eye on your symptoms
As always, whilst it is not necessarily a result of the 'IBS' itself, if you notice any changes in your symptoms such as very sudden changes in your bowel habits, persistent pain that isn't improving, or any blood in your stools, you should always get this check by your doctor as soon as you are able.
