An irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) attack, sometimes called a flare-up, is when people with this digestive condition experience uncomfortable or painful symptoms.

These symptoms can last anywhere from hours to days or even weeks at a time.

An IBS attack may have several causes, such as:

  • stress or anxiety
  • changes in what you eat or drink
  • hormone levels
  • changes in daily habits, such as travel

Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, and either diarrhea or constipation (depending on the type), or both.

Sweating is a less common symptom that has anecdotally been reported to occur in people experiencing an IBS attack.

There are few to no research studies specifically looking at sweating as a symptom of IBS.

However, sweating is commonly known to occur alongside stress and anxiety. It usually presents alongside other symptoms like:

  • increased heart rate
  • faster breathing
  • increased GI tract motility (the rate at which food works itself through your body, potentially leading to diarrhea or constipation)
  • poor sleep quality

These symptoms occur as a result of distress signals between your sympathetic nervous system and the central nervous system, which activate your body’s fight or flight instinct.

Additionally, sweating is a possible side effect of some medications used to treat IBS, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Common symptoms of IBS include:

  • abdominal pain or discomfort
  • gas and bloating
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • mucus in stool
  • nausea
  • indigestion
  • intestinal spasms
  • acid reflux and regurgitation
  • anxiety or depression
  • fatigue
  • difficulty sleeping

Symptoms of IBS may also worsen during the menstrual cycle.

While sweating is not a well-researched symptom of IBS, it is known to commonly occur alongside stress and anxiety, which people with IBS may experience.

If you have IBS, speak with your doctor if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

If you do not have a diagnosis, it’s recommended to visit a doctor if you experience the symptoms of the condition. A doctor can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.