Hidden struggles of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This World IBS Day, let’s talk about the daily struggles no one sees
Every one in ten people suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) globally but still this disease is one of the most underrated and misunderstood ones. Though you may feel that person looks perfectly healthy, he/she might be facing a daily challenge.

IBS is actually an active gastrointestinal issue that leads to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or an unpredictable mix of both. The worst case scenario is that these symptoms are without any proper pattern. They can come at any time even before an important meeting, during a meal out with friends, or even first thing in the morning, disrupting one’s entire day.

Living with IBS means constantly making decisions most people don’t even think about. “Should I eat this?” “Will there be a restroom nearby?” “Do I have time to recover if a flare-up happens?” It’s mentally exhausting. Food becomes a source of stress rather than nourishment. Travel can feel risky. And many social plans are either turned down or made with escape routes in mind.

The emotional toll of IBS is heavy. Many individuals don’t tell their suffering due to the stigma attached to discussing openly about gut troubles. People with IBS often face dismissive attitudes like “The problem is all inside your head, but not actually there!” Or “Distract your mind and the problem will vanish!” Though stress is definitely a triggering factor for IBS, this condition is beyond stress. It’s a chronic condition rooted in a complex interaction between the brain and the gut. Factors such as altered gut motility, food intolerances, post-infectious changes, and even hormonal fluctuations can all contribute.

There’s no cure for IBS, but with proper support, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical intervention, it can be managed. Diet modifications such as the low FODMAP diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and personalized medication plans often help. But finding what works can take time and patience—and even then, flare-ups are not entirely avoidable.

This World IBS Day, let’s challenge the silence surrounding this condition. It’s time we stop brushing off gut health as “just a tummy issue.” Instead, let’s listen to those affected, validate their experiences, and encourage open conversations. More importantly, let’s push for continued research and awareness so those living with IBS no longer have to suffer in the shadows.

Though an invisible struggle, IBS takes a serious toll Because while IBS may be invisible, the struggle is very real. And it deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.

Dr Shubham Vatsya Senior Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj