Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition that leads many people to come to the urgent care center regularly. It is important that you understand your symptoms and the condition to ensure that you have all the tools you need to treat your IBS.

Do you think you might have IBS? Do you think you need urgent care? Here's what you should know:

What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

Many people with IBS do not realize they have it. The condition may include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms. Some people lean toward either diarrhea or constipation, but others have a form of IBS that prompts either or both at random.

Why Should You Come to Urgent Care?

There are many reasons why people come to urgent care when they experience the symptoms of IBS. For example, you might not know if the symptoms indicate IBS, food poisoning, or something worse. Rapid treatment is beneficial for quickly addressing your pain and ensuring the issue is not more serious.

For example, you should seek immediate medical care if you have not been able to have a bowel movement for several days or if you have had diarrhea for several days, especially to the point of dehydration.

Testing is an important part of diagnosing IBS, and it is important that you see a doctor to rule out other potential causes that could be as serious as cancer or as simple as a brief stomach bug that will pass within a few days.

What Can a Doctor Do For You?

An urgent care doctor may focus on preventing future flare-ups, at least until you can see your regular doctor. For example, the urgent care doctor may recommend limiting your consumption of certain vegetables, dairy products, spicy foods, tomatoes, alcohol, and even coffee.

If you have experienced a health issue like diarrhea, the doctor will ensure you are getting the hydration you need. Your doctor may even administer an IV if you are severely dehydrated.

In other cases, the doctor may be able to prescribe you a medication that will help you deal with the pain until you can get further treatment.

Come to Urgent Care

If you think you need urgent care to deal with the symptoms of IBS, it is important that you speak with a professional. A doctor can help you manage your symptoms and help you understand how to prevent some of these symptoms in the future.