How Long Does an IBS Flare Last?

By Amy Dodd Pilkington

2 min read

Over the years plenty of people have asked me how long an IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) flare lasts. This question is often asked after I take the time to explain to someone that I cannot attend something or other due to a flare. Sometimes it is asked if I tell someone I cannot make definitive plans for the future.

Can you wait out an IBS flare

People sometimes want to know if I can wait out a flare and arrive a bit later. I have had people ask if I could try going to the bathroom, get it over with, and get on with my day. I wish it were that simple. I wish it was a one-and-done type of thing. Unfortunately, as anyone with IBS knows, it isn’t like that at all.

A flare can last for hours, days, weeks, or months on end. Even if we only run to the bathroom once in a day’s time we still must endure the other symptoms, and sometimes those symptoms linger for quite some time.

Can you predict an IBS flare?

Some people think I am able to predict when a flare will start and when it will end. I have found that IBS is unpredictable. If I think a flare is ending, it often isn’t. If I think I’m safe and will have a flare-free day, this often isn’t the case.

I think some people believe this because I talk about symptoms and tell them I am going to need to stick around the house. They don’t understand that this could mean I will need to go to the bathroom within minutes or in a day or two, maybe more.

Sometimes symptoms of a flare are ongoing. Having to run to the bathroom isn’t the only symptom during a flare.

An IBS flare isn't just a few trips to the bathroom

There are also people who do not understand that a flare isn’t just having symptoms of needing to go followed by going once and that’s the end of it. Oh no. I wish it was like that.

I think this misconception of a flare is the reason why some people don’t understand why I must cancel plans and stay home. This misunderstanding causes hurt feelings.

You never know how long an IBS flare will last

Trying to explain how long a flare lasts is pointless. It changes constantly. A flare can end quickly and return just as quickly. Another flare can start the same day as one ended.

A flare can appear out of nowhere with no warning. It might end soon, and it might linger for months. There is no way to tell when one will start or stop and how long it will take for another flare to begin.

IBS flares vary and are unpredictable

The best answer as to how long a flare lasts is anywhere from minutes to months. It can arrive suddenly and last only a very short time or it can last for days, weeks, or months. This can change from flare to flare. Flares change and can be quite different. IBS truly is unpredictable and varies wildly.

How do you explain to people how long a flare or symptoms of a flare lasts? I would love to hear how you answer questions about IBS.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
Gosh, no one has asked me any IBS questions at all. Some think I mean IBD and might ask if I have Crohn's or colitis or celiac. I tell them the difference between the two conditions. But that's the extent of the questions.
Pooppy Member
 After I get asked the gazillion questions of 'what is Crohn's Disease' and is it contagious; I summarize this condition in layman terms that they are too familiar with: Food Poisoning. I then ask the questions and then CD sinks in deeply into their memory bank, and they quickly offer any help I may require. I thank them, but explain that CD takes a lot longer and that "time" is what I could use from everyone. It's free, doesn't inconvenience them, and they don't need to interrupt their schedules. Sone are relieved, and some send 'Get Well Soon' e-mails, texts or my good friends send flowers, cards in the mail, or put signs in my yard with positive thoughts. My final words to the individuals that aren't familiar with any GI medical conditions; I tell them, "Give that person time and send positive thoughts." You'll be SO much help in their time of need. Until they find the cure.🙏😔
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Pooppy" user-id="6709294"/> That's what I usually compare my IBS to as well. At least food poisoning is something that people can imagine. I love what you tell people. It's so true that time and positive thoughts go a long way, especially when we're already beating ourselves up over not being able to do certain things. It sounds like your friends are very supportive! How have you been feeling lately? All the best, Karina (team member)
CommunityMemberdb4def Member
I have found as my ibs has got worse with age that I have to tell friends I can only pencil in social time because of it. They dont ask but are very supportive coz they know its ibs. I get upset and feel guilty if i have to cancel though. Worst time re questioning was at work when i got pulled up about my sick leave time after time. They didnt understand how ill it makes a sufferer .I just retired in the end but luckily i was nearly 66 anyway. I loved my job! 
1. CommunityMember1575 Member
 <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> It was because I didn't have my medication, this time. 🙃 THEN, guess what happened the following week when it was time for me to go back to work?!? FLU? No! Pneumonia? No! COVID! Can you believe that?!? Yes! Now I have COVID! Along with asthma & IBS-D! I'm on my 2nd week of testing positive, at home. My employer wants me to go get a test from my Dr so I have proof. Then, I'm informed that, because of all the different times that I've been off in the last couple of years, I have no insurance! It's a laughing matter, right!?! Yes, I can laugh because I really don't feel so bad, finally. I'm doing breathing treatments at home & taking all my allergy meds, plus inhalers. Whew! IBS people have to be some of the strongest people in the world! Love & hugs to everyone of you! 
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember1575" user-id="5460310"/> Oh no! I'm so sorry that you're dealing with COVID now, and an employer who's requesting additional proof... and I can't believe that you have no insurance because of being ill too many times. 🙁 That's terrible, it's the people who have chronic illnesses who need it the most, after all! I really hope that you'll be able to sort all of this out soon. Please keep us updated! Sending positive thoughts and wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
hateibs Member
I think you expressed what an IBS flare is like perfectly, Amy. All I know is, before I had IBS, I wouldn't have understood this. I would also have probably thought that just "going to the bathroom for a #2" is no big deal ! Because it never was...then. And isn't a big deal for so many people. It's just a body-thing, like going for a pee . So I imagine that maybe other people in our lives who don't have IBS might think the same thing, and not realise what IBS comes with. It's not just a bathroom trip, or even one x 2 or 3 It's worse and brings in lots of awful feelings and multiple symptoms. I liken it to having a tummy bug or food poisoning. Most people can identify with how that feels. But to tell them you can go from feeling fine one hour to feeling like you have a tummy bug next hour, and not even know how long that's going to last or what to do to feel better. And to know that can even last on and off for months or weeks, makes it difficult to be properly understood. In my case the answer from well meaning people if ever I have to tell them I can't go somewhere etc because of a flare up, and I do not know when it's going to end, is "oh dear, that sounds awful! You must go and see the doctor." Of course telling them why I am not going to bother doing that baffles them, and then they think it's my own fault, as somehow they think I haven't already done that? And got an answer? And been told I just have to live with it and manage it? 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hateibs" user-id="4146293"/> That type pf answer is so frustrating! Especially knowing how unhelpful doctors can be with IBS, it's the last thing we want to hear. And yet for many people who don't have IBS, it seems like there must be a simple solution to every problem. I my case, people often don't understand how I can have a flare when I haven't eating anything triggering. Or how a simple ingredient can make me so ill. Almost like I'm exaggerating my symptoms or something. I agree that comparing an IBS flare to a stomach bug or food poisoning works really well, at least people can imagine what that's like. I hope you're feeling well today! Karina (team member)
Njf0618 Member
I rarely explain and try not to cancel plans but just have the meds and things I need handy so I can try and continue keeping on. I try nd not let this rule my life but I totally understand some people have this much worse than I do. Grateful mine isn’t super bad and lots of compassion for those who must stay home a lot, etc. …
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Njf0618" user-id="4832334"/> I'm so glad to hear that your IBS mostly doesn't force you to stay home and you're able to manage through medication. I'm the same and am able to do things most of the time, even if I'm not super comfortable, unless I'm in a bad flare. Karina (team member)
jablo4 Member
In my experience it’s not worth it to divulge my IBS diagnosis to my friends because they don’t really understand it no matter what I tell them. Only a very few friends and my immediate family are supportive but most people are not. So I cancel plans often and use other excuses (migraine headache, not feeling well or think I got food poisoning) that are more relatable and I don’t have to explain. During an episode (that can last days to a week or more) I usually stay home until I feel safe that it’s over and I get my energy back. I take anti diarrhea medicine Imodium if I have to do some that I can’t cancel but that backs me up for days which is awful. I will add that I get very down in the dumps after an episode because I miss out on a lot and just hate that I have to suffer from this awful disorder and say “why me” a lot! I try so hard to stay on the low FODMAP diet and away from my triggers and I take IBguard before meals but the episodes happen anyway so it’s very frustrating. I hope researchers will soon find a treatment that actually works. At the end of an episode now and have plans to golf with friends today so instead of being happy I am worried and my big decision is do I take Imodium or not! 
1. Pollypops Member
 <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> Ihi I was told suspected ibs 5 years ago. It was tied in with low estrogen that effects lower bowel and dreded <a href='http://v.drynes' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>v.drynes</a>. bit iv had flare up for 2 weeks and as one of you ladies said changes hr to hr. One minute feel like someone twisting timmy an stabbing back pain. My anxiety goes up thinking this could be something <a href='http://worse.food' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>worse.food</a> doesn't seem to make difference. Although can agitate about 3hr later .I have ids mixed I think and my just go <a href='http://once.pain' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>once.pain</a> eases then can return. Then go no reason. I didn't realise it could be so unpredictable. I am hoping all bloods and test come back <a href='http://normal.Then' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>normal.Then</a> know if is ibs can begin to understand how it portrayed in different people thanks for support ladies feel less <a href='http://terrified.keep' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>terrified.keep</a> well all😍
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Pollypops" user-id="8876179"/> Please let us know when you get your test results back! When should you receive them? I hope you'll start figuring out your triggers soon so that it becomes a little more manageable. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
hateibs Member
What I started doing over the past year or so, was just letting people know I have IBS. Even people I haven't known that well, but usually only if or when it was necessary for one reason or another. No gory details, just "I have irritable bowel syndrome." I was beyond caring what they thought of me. Or because the subject is basically about poop. And one doesn't talk about poop, especially one's own, to people you hardly know! That might be because I'm getting older or something. Well...the results of doing that have really shocked me! What I found was this kind of response: "Oh dear, do you? My wife has IBS." and "My mum's had IBS for 30 years. I know exactly what you mean" and "I had IBS for 18 years now." "My sister....my husband....my best friend...me..." etc etc. Honestly. out of three I told, there would be two who either had IBS themselves, or knew someone close who had it. Opening up more about it in the past few months does help me to feel a little more understood, but it also feels "wrong" somehow, that IBS is so prevalent, and it shouldn't be, and what's causing it in so many people??
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hateibs" user-id="4146293"/> I've had a very similar experience, whenever I talk about it, people usually relate in one way or enough. It doesn't make everyone more understanding though, unfortunately, especially those who don't have it themselves. I agree though that it's terrible that so many people are dealing with this! Karina (team member)