Is IBS Typically Worse in the Morning? Tips to Improve Symptoms

Understanding IBS Symptom Patterns

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other disruptive symptoms. Many people with IBS notice their symptoms seem to follow certain patterns over time. For example, you may wonder why your IBS feels worse in the morning.

Why IBS Symptoms Flare in the Morning

There are a few reasons why IBS problems often aggravate first thing in the morning:

• Bowel contractions increase after waking to promote evacuation
• Eating triggers the gastrocolic reflex which moves contents along
• Stress hormones like cortisol peak in early hours
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances occur overnight

Typical Daily IBS Symptom Patterns

In addition to worse symptoms upon waking, some other common IBS symptom patterns over the course of a day include:

• Abdominal pain increasing after meals
• Urgent bowel movements shortly after eating
• Diarrhea episodes more likely in mornings/afternoons
• Constipation/straining often worse at night
• Bloating tending to accumulate as day wears on

Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Mornings with IBS

While you can’t eliminate IBS symptoms completely, some helpful tweaks to your daily routine can help prevent flare ups and make mornings more comfortable.

Rule Out Other GI Issues

Persistent severe diarrhea upon waking or at night should be evaluated for other possible causes like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or microscopic colitis.

Stay Well Hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the evening and as soon as you get up to counteract dehydration and electrolyte disturbance affecting bowel function early in the day.

Eat a Light Dinner

Consuming a smaller, earlier evening meal allows time to fully digest before sleep and prevents overactive digestion responses in the morning.

Avoid Problem Foods at Night

Restrict trigger foods in the hours before bedtime, especially fatty foods, spicy dishes, high-fiber items, and common intolerances like lactose, fructose or FODMAPs.

Establish a Bathroom Routine

Waking up 15-30 minutes earlier to empty bowels and/or use relaxation techniques can settle symptoms before breakfast and responsibilities.

Try Antispasmodics Before Bed

Over-the-counter antispasmodics like hyoscyamine can prevent painful muscle contractions. Talk to your doctor about using a nighttime dose.

Begin a Low FODMAP Diet

Eliminating digestion-challenging carbs called FODMAPs relieves many peoples’ IBS issues over 2-6 weeks. Strictly follow under a dietitian’s guidance.

Consider Probiotic Supplements

Taking daily probiotic supplements may ease IBS by improving gut microbiome balance. Choose reputable brands listing strains like Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus.

Discuss Prescription Medications

Several categories of prescription meds like antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, SSRIs and others offer reliable IBS symptom relief for eligible patients.

Explore Complementary Therapies

Gentle complementary options like peppermint oil, gut-directed hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and acupuncture may aid IBS outcomes.

When to Seek Medical Care

Schedule an appointment with your family doctor, gastroenterologist or an IBS specialist if lifestyle measures don’t adequately control symptoms. Worsening pain, bleeding, weight loss, fatigue and low quality require assessment.

Diagnostic Tests for IBS

Testing helps confirm IBS diagnosis while ruling out other conditions. Your doctor may order blood work, stool analysis, hydrogen breath testing, endoscopy, ultrasound or CT scan based on presentation.

Ongoing IBS Monitoring and Care

Due to symptom fluctuations over time, people with IBS require ongoing follow-up care to continually reassess management plans. Track diet, lifestyle connections to bowel functions and freely report concerning changes.

Coping with IBS Flare Ups

When an intense bout of abdominal pain, urgent diarrhea or other symptoms strikes, it helps to have some coping strategies handy. Preparation and self-care can get you through.

Carry Emergency Supplies

Keep a bag with meds, wipes, hot water bottle and fresh clothes with you for coping with unpredictable pain, bowel urgency or accidents while out.

Have Easy Meal Options Available

Stock up on gentle foods like broth, rice, toast, oatmeal or yogurt to eat during flares when normal meals may be poorly tolerated.

Use Relaxation and Distraction Techniques

When hit with severe symptoms, targeted breathing, soothing music, guided imagery, mindfulness or other relaxation strategies can help you remain calm.

Take It Easy

Respect what your body needs and rest when possible during flare ups. Pushing through pain or diarrhea will likely make things worse.

Learning what affects your IBS and finding personalized ways to manage will help minimize bad days. But even with the best self-care, flares happen. Having an emergency plan prepares you to handle challenges.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.