Irritable bowel syndrome, abbreviated as IBS, is an unpleasant experience for the patient and anyone around them. It’s a gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly reduce the quality of life for the patient. Depending on how a person deals with IBS, it can be painful—both literally and metaphorically.

But can you die from IBS? Is it a condition with an automatic death sentence?

Thankfully, no, it is not a life-threatening disorder, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Today, we’ll go over what IBS is and how life-threatening it can be in the most extreme cases.

Most people will experience digestive issues at least once in their lifetime. However, IBS is a different beast altogether.

What sets IBS apart from common tummy problems is the plethora of symptoms associated with the disorder, ranging from stomach discomfort to diarrhea and/or constipation. Unlike digestive issues under normal circumstances, IBS is a lifelong condition. As of right now, there is no cure for IBS.

But here’s the worst part of all.

IBS flare-ups can occur at any time and last for as long as 7 days! And just when you think you’ve overcome the symptoms, they can come back when you least expect them.

Patients can typically feel an upcoming IBS flare-up by a sudden change in bowel movement patterns or excruciating belly cramps.

So, what causes IBS?

Alas, nobody really knows. Some have argued that a disruption in signals between the brain and intestines is to blame for IBS, while others have suggested intestinal nerves can grow to become sensitive to certain foods.

Who can/will get IBS?

Don’t for a second think that you can’t get IBS just because you’re young and fit. IBS can afflict anyone, regardless of age and physicality. However, symptoms of IBS are most common in people 35 years old and older.

So, it’s clear that IBS is a lifelong condition that affects the stomach and bowel movement patterns, but can you die from irritable bowel syndrome?

Allow us to reiterate: no, IBS is not a fatal gastrointestinal disorder. Patients with IBS typically don’t have to worry about how much longer they have to live.

What patients do have to consider is how much IBS will affect their lives.

Many people with IBS have to plan their lives carefully. Attending social gatherings can be an issue, especially if they’re worried that they might experience a flare-up out of nowhere. Even attending an event with a bathroom in the vicinity can be a problem as patients may find themselves constantly visiting the latrine to relieve themselves. People may raise their eyebrows at you for using the toilet multiple times per hour.

But have there ever been cases where IBS patients died from the condition?

Well, yes and no. No, because IBS has never been directly correlated to the death of a patient. Yes, because if the symptoms go untreated—i.e., not replenishing fluids after a violent bout with diarrhea—they can suffer from indirect effects of IBS, which can be life-threatening.

In IBS terms, a trigger is something that can cause flare-ups. Surprisingly, while those with IBS may suffer from mental health problems, they’re not a direct cause or trigger of IBS. Specific food types are known to be the most common IBS triggers.

If you and millions 15% of the world’s population do not have an IBS death wish, then you should avoid the following foods:

Here are a few things those with IBS may want to consider:

• Focus your diet on soluble fiber in moderate amounts. Great sources of soluble fiber include brown rice, oats, and fruit (peeled).
• Avoid consuming food and drinks at opposite temperatures. For example, do not drink a glass of borderline frozen water with a steaming pile of brown rice.
• Low FODMAP foods like tomatoes can be tolerable but remember not to go overboard. Pay close attention to portion sizes.
• Stay away from vegetables like broccoli and cabbage as they can create a buildup of gas
• Eat more frequently but in smaller portions.
• Do not drink water while you eat.
• Chew slowly before swallowing. Some have advised chewing 32 times before gulping down your food.
• Do not eat or drink while driving as it may trigger a sudden flare-up while you’re most vulnerable.
• Exercise, exercise, exercise. Focus on light workouts (walking and yoga) rather than high-intense workouts (lifting weights, sprinting). consider:

In IBS terms, a trigger is something that can cause flare-ups. Surprisingly, while those with IBS may suffer from mental health problems, they’re not a direct cause or trigger of IBS. Specific food types are known to be the most common IBS triggers.

If you and millions 15% of the world’s population do not have an IBS death wish, then you should avoid the following foods:

• Alcohol
• High FODMAP foods
• Processed foods
• Carbonated beverages
• Dairy products
• Coffee

Here are a few things those with IBS may want to consider:

• Focus your diet on soluble fiber in moderate amounts. Great sources of soluble fiber include brown rice, oats, and fruit (peeled).
• Avoid consuming food and drinks at opposite temperatures. For example, do not drink a glass of borderline frozen water with a steaming pile of brown rice.
• Low FODMAP foods like tomatoes can be tolerable but remember not to go overboard. Pay close attention to portion sizes.
• Stay away from vegetables like broccoli and cabbage as they can create a buildup of gas
• Eat more frequently but in smaller portions.
• Do not drink water while you eat.
• Chew slowly before swallowing. Some have advised chewing 32 times before gulping down your food.
• Do not eat or drink while driving as it may trigger a sudden flare-up while you’re most vulnerable.
• Exercise, exercise, exercise. Focus on light workouts (walking and yoga) rather than high-intense workouts (lifting weights, sprinting). consider:

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that anyone can experience at any time in their lifetime. Thankfully, IBS is not an automatic death sentence. People can still live rich lives with IBS, but it will always be in the back of their minds.

Today, we described what IBS is, the answer to whether you can die from IBS, and what IBS patients should avoid eating and doing.

If you think you or a loved one has IBS, the best thing you can do is speak to a trained physician to see what the next step should be.