Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It’s a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disorder. People with IBS get excessive gas, abdominal pain and cramps.
What is a functional GI disorder?
IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These conditions, also called disorders of the gut-brain interaction, have to do with problems in how your gut and brain work together. These problems cause your digestive tract to be very sensitive. They also change how your bowel muscles contract. The result is abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.
What are the different types of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Researchers categorize IBS based on the type of bowel movement problems you have. The kind of IBS can affect your treatment. Certain medicines only work for certain types of IBS. Often, people with IBS have normal bowel movements some days and abnormal ones on other days. The type of IBS you have depends on the abnormal bowel movements you experience:
IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Most of your stool is hard and lumpy.
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Most of your stool is loose and watery.
IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.
How does Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affect my body?
In people with IBS, the colon muscle tends to contract more than in people without the condition. These contractions cause cramps and pain. People with IBS also tend to have a lower pain tolerance. Research has also suggested that people with IBS may have excess bacteria in the GI tract, contributing to symptoms.
Who is at risk for developing Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The condition most often occurs in people in their late teens to early 40s. Women can be twice as likely than men to get IBS. IBS may happen to multiple family members.
You may be at higher risk if you have:
Family history of IBS.
Emotional stress, tension or anxiety.
Food intolerance.
History of physical or sexual abuse.
Severe digestive tract infection.
What triggers Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ?
If you have IBS, you may have noticed that certain things trigger symptoms. Common triggers include some foods and medication. Emotional stress can also be a trigger. Some researchers suggest that IBS is the gut’s response to life’s stressors.
What are the causes of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ?
Researchers don’t exactly know what causes IBS. They think a combination of factors can lead to IBS, including:
Dysmotility: Problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract.
Visceral hypersensitivity: Extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract.
Brain-gut dysfunction: Miscommunication between nerves in the brain and gut.
What are Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms?
Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen.
Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual.
Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two.
Excess gas.
Mucus in your stool (may look whitish).
Women with IBS may find that symptoms flare up during their periods. These symptoms often happen again and again, which can make you feel stressed or upset. As you learn management techniques and gain control over flare-ups, you’ll start to feel better, physically and mentally.
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How is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?
If you’ve been having uncomfortable GI symptoms, see your healthcare provider. The first step in diagnosing IBS is a medical history and a physical exam. Your provider will ask you about your symptoms:
Do you have pain related to bowel movements?
Do you notice a change in how often you have a bowel movement?
Has there been a change in how your poop looks?
How often do you have symptoms?
When did your symptoms start?
What medicines do you take?
Do I need to see a gastroenterologist?
If you have IBS symptoms, first talk to your primary care physician or regular healthcare provider. Your provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system, including:
Colorectal (colon) cancer.
Liver disease.
Swallowing and oesophageal disorders.
Pancreas disorders.
What is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment?
No specific therapy works for everyone, but most people with IBS can find a treatment that works for them. Your healthcare provider will personalize your IBS treatment plan for your needs. Typical treatment options include dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dietary changes:
Increase fibre in your diet — eat more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts.
Drink plenty of water — eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
Avoid caffeine (from coffee, chocolate, teas and sodas).
Limit cheese and milk.
Activity changes:
Exercise regularly.
Don’t smoke.
Try relaxation techniques.
Eat smaller meals more often.
Record the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods trigger IBS flare-ups.
Common triggers are wheat and cow’s milk.
Medical changes:
Your provider may prescribe antidepressant medications if you have depression and anxiety along with significant abdominal pain.
Probiotics may be an option for you. These “good bacteria” can help improve symptoms.
What happens if medications don’t work?
In some cases, symptoms don’t respond to medical treatment. Your provider may refer you for mental health therapies. Some patients find relief through:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Biofeedback
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Can I prevent Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ?
Since there is no known cause for IBS, you can’t prevent or avoid it. If you have IBS, you can keep symptoms from flaring up by avoiding triggers.
How can I control Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
It may be frustrating trying to get a handle on IBS. Treatment can often be trial and error. But the good news is that nearly everyone with IBS can find a treatment that helps them. Usually, diet and activity changes improve symptoms over time. You may need some patience as you figure out your triggers so you can take steps to avoid them. But after a few weeks or months, you should notice significant improvement in how you feel.
If I have IBS, does that mean I’m more likely to develop serious gastrointestinal problems?
No, IBS doesn’t put you at higher risk of developing conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer.
Is IBS fatal?
IBS is not life-threatening. Living with this condition can be challenging because it can come and go throughout your life. But there are many ways to manage and live with IBS.
Is there a cure for IBS?
There’s no cure for IBS. The goal of treatment is to control and manage symptoms.
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