Trapped Gas Pain and Other IBS Abdominal Pain Sources

When you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may think your abdominal pain is from trapped intestinal gas. But some of it may come from other sources.

Intestinal gas results from the activity of gut bacteria on food. An aspect of IBS is called visceral hypersensitivity heightens pain in your digestive tract. That means the pressure from gas can become quite painful.

However, trapped gas isn't the only thing that causes abdominal pain in IBS. This article look at other causes, how to tell gas from other IBS pain, and what to do about it.

Causes of IBS Pain

The causes of abdominal pain in IBS aren't well understood. What's clear is that your brain and your gut work together in a complex way.

That interaction can cause visceral hypersensitivity even when you don't have gas. That's especially true if you're under a lot of stress.

Another key factor in IBS is motility dysfunction—colon contractions that are too fast or too slow. That leads to diarrhea (too fast) and constipation (too slow).

This same problem can cause painful cramping or spasms in the large intestinal muscles. Complicating matters, pain from deep inside the body can radiate away from the original site. So it may not be clear where your pain is coming from.

Is It Gas or IBS?

One way to distinguish gas pain and other types of IBS pain is to look at symptoms and causes. They can be fairly distinct.

Managing IBS Pain

Once you know the source of your pain, you can take steps to alleviate it.

• Toilet habits: Don't sit on the toilet for long stretches trying not to "trap in" any gas. That can cause anxiety and feelings of incomplete evacuation. Excessive straining ups your risk of hemorrhoids.
• Gas-related pain: Gas-related likely means food-related. For severe pain, you may want to try a low FODMAP diet. For milder pain, over-the-counter gas relievers might be enough.
• Hypersensitivity/motility: Relaxation is key for relieving pain from visceral hypersensitivity and motility problems. Mind/body approaches (relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation) may help.
• Muscle spasms and cramps: Antispasmodic medications, peppermint tea, or enteric-coated peppermint capsules can relax the muscles.

Summary

Not all IBS pain comes from trapped gas. Visceral hypersensitivity, motility dysfunction, and intestinal muscle spasms also cause pain.

Gas pain tends to be food-related. It involves shifting location, passing wind, and constipation or infrequent bowel movements. Other IBS pains tend to be stress-related, widespread, radiate upward, and feel crampy.

To relieve IBS pain, don't sit on the toilet for long spells, don't strain, try a low-FODMAP diet, learn to relax, and look into anti-spasmodic medications or peppermint supplements.

A Word From Verywell

You need coping strategies for the abdominal pain of IBS, no matter the source. Practice self-care, but also discuss pain with your healthcare provider. Remember that severe stomach pain should be treated in the ER.