Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Learn more. IBS is a chronic ailment that requires long-term management. Changes in food, lifestyle, and stress levels can help some people control their symptoms. More severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counselling. IBS is not linked to intestinal tissue alterations or an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
IBS symptoms vary, but they are usually present for a long time. The most common are
- Pain, cramping or bloating in the abdomen
- Changes in bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Changes in the frequency with which you have bowel movements
- Bloating, increased gas and mucus in the stool
When to see a doctor?
If you have a consistent change in bowel movements or other IBS indications or symptoms, see your doctor. These symptoms could also be signs of other more serious conditions like colon cancer. The following are examples of severe signs and symptoms:
- Loss of weight
- Diarrhea in the middle of the night
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia due to a lack of iron
- Vomiting
- Swallowing problems
- Consistent pain that isn't alleviated by a bowel movement or passing gas
- Persistent pain
Get the best Irritable bowel syndrome treatment from our Gastroenterologists at Medicover Hospitals
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Following are the Irritable bowel syndrome causes:
- Contractions of the intestine's musclesThe walls of your intestines are lined with muscle layers that contract as food moves through your digestive tract. Gas, bloating, and diarrhea can be caused by stronger and longer-lasting contractions. Food passage can be slowed by weak intestinal contractions, resulting in firm, dry stools.
- The nervous system when your abdomen stretches because of gas or stool, irregularities in your digestive system's nerves may cause you to feel more uncomfortable than usual. Your body may overreact to typical digestive process changes due to a lack of coordination between the brain and the intestines, resulting in pain, diarrhea, or colic
- Infection is severe IBS can arise as a result of a severe bout of diarrhea (gastroenteritis) caused by bacteria or a virus. IBS may also be associated with an over abundance of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth)
- Stress in childhood People who have experienced stressful events, especially as children, are more likely to develop IBS symptoms
- Microbe changes in the gut Changes in bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which normally reside in the intestines and play an important role in health, are examples. According to research, the microbes in people with IBS may differ from those in healthy people.
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Get A Second OpinionTriggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS symptoms can be triggered by:
- Food allergies or intolerances play an unknown role in IBS, which food allergies can rarely cause. However, many people experience worse IBS symptoms when they consume certain foods or beverages, such as wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated beverages.
- AnxietyDuring times of increased stress, most people with IBS experience worsening symptoms or more frequent signs and symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Risk factors
Many people experience IBS symptoms on a regular basis. However, you are more likely to suffer from the syndrome in the below scenarios.
- IBS is more common in people who are under the age of 50
- IBS is more common in women. Estrogen therapy, either before or after menopause, is another risk factor for IBS
- Genetic and environmental factors
- Anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems
Complications
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can result in hemorrhoids. Furthermore, IBS is linked to:
- Compromised quality of life Many people who have moderate to severe IBS report having a low quality of life. According to research, people with IBS miss three times as many days of work as those who do not have bowel symptoms.
- Mood disturbancesExperiencing IBS signs and symptoms can result in depression or anxiety. IBS can also be exacerbated by depression and anxiety.
How is Irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis
Based on your symptoms, your doctor may be able to diagnose IBS. To rule out other possible explanations of your symptoms, they may do one or more of the following tests
- Examine a sample of your feces
- Blood tests
- A colonoscopy
- Lactose intolerance tests
- Stool test
- X-ray or CT scan
- Upper endoscopy
Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be treated with dietary adjustments and other lifestyle changes, as well as medications, probiotics, and mental health therapy. It's possible that you'll have to try a few different therapies to find the one that works best for you. Your doctor can assist you in determining the best course of action.
Lifestyle changes and self-care
IBS can often be relieved by making simple dietary and lifestyle modifications. It will take time for your body to adjust to these changes such as -
- Experiment with different fibres. Fibers can help with constipation, but they can also aggravate gas and cramping. For a few weeks, gradually increase the quantity of fiber in your diet by eating foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Fibre supplements, rather than fibre-rich foods, may induce less gas and bloat.
- Avoid certain foods that cause your symptoms.
- Having your meals on time To help control bowel function, don't miss meals and try to eat at the same time each day. If you're suffering from diarrhea, you might discover that eating small, frequent meals helps. However, if you're constipated, consuming more high foods may aid in the movement of food through your intestines.
- Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise relieves sadness and stress by stimulating normal bowel contractions and making you feel better about yourself. Ask your doctor about starting an exercise regimen.
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Book an AppointmentIrritable bowel syndrome Dos and Don’ts
IBS management is all about food and lifestyle management. When you suffer from this condition, you need to take care of many things. This is why there are many dos and don’ts regarding your routine, including sleep, diet, and exercise, that should be followed to manage this condition while taking the prescribed medicines effectively.
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Eat homemade food |
Postpone or miss meals |
|
Avoid food that triggers your IBS |
Consume too much food in a short period of time |
|
Regular exercise |
Eat greasy, hot, and processed foods |
|
Take probiotics for a month |
Take alcoholic or carbonated beverages |
|
Take proper rest and enough sleep |
Take too much of coffee |
Follow the above tips to ease your symptoms and manage your condition.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to patients. For IBS, we have a team of gastroenterologists, therapists, counselors, and dieticians who design a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and symptom management. We use advanced medical technology and facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Our dedicated team of experts ensures that patients receive a holistic wellness experience so that they can sustain their recovery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation. The causes of IBS are not fully understood, but factors like stress, diet, and gut sensitivity are believed to play a role.
Irritable bowel syndrome treatments typically involve dietary changes, medications, and stress management techniques to help control symptoms. The condition is diagnosed after a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and sometimes tests to rule out other conditions. Effective management can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatments may include dietary changes, stress management, and medications like antispasmodics, laxatives, or fibre supplements.
What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
The exact Irritable Bowel Syndrome causes are not fully understood, but factors like genetics, stress, gut infections, and abnormal gut motility can play a role. An imbalance in gut bacteria may also contribute to IBS development.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis typically involves reviewing symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Doctors may also perform tests such as stool tests, blood tests, or colonoscopies to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Can stress trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Yes, stress is a known trigger for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Stress can affect gut motility and sensitivity, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
Is IBS a lifelong condition?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is typically a chronic condition, though symptoms may come and go over time. With proper management through diet, medications, and lifestyle changes, many people with IBS can find relief and manage their symptoms effectively.
