Do you also have frequent stomach upsets? Let's learn more about this disease called (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS)?

Do you sometimes have strange stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea-like stools when you go to the toilet, or have difficulty staying constipated for days? These symptoms are not one, but several that come together and affect your digestive system, which is what we are talking about today (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or (IBS) for short. This is a fairly common and uncomfortable condition.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Simply put, IBS is a collection of symptoms and problems that affect your digestive system, especially your intestines. It is a common condition that affects your intestines. People with IBS may experience frequent stomach pain and cramping. Along with this, you may have frequent diarrhea, constipation, or sometimes both.

But the best part is that IBS does not damage the tissues of your digestive system. It also does not increase your risk of developing serious diseases like colon cancer. Although it is a chronic condition, many people can manage it well by making changes to their daily lifestyle, eating habits, taking medication if necessary, and some behavioral therapy.

Are there main types of IBS?

Yes, IBS is mainly classified based on the nature of your stools (we usually call them 'poo') on the days when your symptoms are most severe. Many people with IBS have normal bowel movements on some days, but unusual bowel movements on other days. The type of bowel movements on those unusual days determines the type of IBS.

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): In this case, most of your stools are hard to pass, lumpy, and dry.
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): This is where most of your stools are loose, like water.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): In this type, you may experience alternating episodes of constipation (hard, lumpy stools) and diarrhea (loose stools).

It is important to understand these differences, as some treatments only work for certain types of IBS.

How common is IBS?

This is actually a very common condition. According to experts, it is estimated that between 10% and 15% of adults in the United States have IBS. However, only a small percentage, between 5% and 7%, ever see a doctor and receive a diagnosis. The situation in our country is likely to be very similar.

IBS is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases by gastroenterologists.

What are the symptoms of (IBS)?

IBS symptoms can be constant. Or, they can be intermittent (flare-ups). That means you don't have symptoms all the time. Sometimes the symptoms go away (you have normal bowel movements), and then they come back after a while.

The main symptoms of IBS are:

• This is often accompanied by stomach pain or cramping, often accompanied by the need to defecate.
• Excessive gas and bloating.
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
• There may be mucus-like particles (like a whitish liquid) in the stool.
• Feeling as if the stomach has not completely emptied, even after defecation.

What are the causes of IBS?

Researchers still don't know exactly what causes IBS. However, it is classified as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These conditions are also called "disorders of the gut-brain interaction." Simply put, it is believed to be caused by problems with the communication between your brain and your gut, which helps your digestive system function properly.

These communication problems between the brain and the gut can cause things like:

• Dysmotility: Problems with the way the muscles in your digestive system contract and move food down the digestive tract . People with IBS seem to have more muscle contractions in their large intestine than normal. These contractions cause cramping and pain.
• Visceral hypersensitivity: The nerves in your digestive system may become overly sensitive. People with IBS have been found to have a lower pain tolerance than those without IBS. This means that your gut may be more sensitive to pain and discomfort than the average person.

Here are some other factors that can contribute to the development of IBS:

• Gut bacteria: Research has shown that there are differences in the bacteria in the digestive tract of people with IBS. These differences may contribute to symptoms. Studies have found that the types and amounts of bacteria in the gut of people with IBS are different from those without IBS.
• Severe infections: Some people are diagnosed with IBS after a severe infection that affects the digestive system. So it's possible that germs play a role in this.
• Food intolerance: Certain food sensitivities or allergies can contribute to IBS. For example, some people cannot digest dairy products, while others experience discomfort when eating foods made with wheat flour.
• Childhood stress: IBS is more common in people who have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood. This means that severe psychological stress also plays a role.

What are the triggers that increase IBS symptoms?

If you have IBS, you may have noticed that certain things make your symptoms worse. These are not the cause of the condition, but they can make your symptoms worse or cause new ones to appear. We call these triggers. The most common triggers are:

• Periods: You may find that your symptoms increase with your monthly menstrual cycle.
• Certain foods: This varies from person to person. However, common foods that can increase IBS symptoms include dairy, foods containing gluten (such as wheat flour), and foods and drinks that cause gas (e.g., beans, cabbage, sweetened beverages).
• Stress: Some researchers say that IBS is a response of your gut to stress. This is why IBS is sometimes called "nervous stomach" or "anxious stomach." Think about it, do you feel like your stomach hurts more when you have an exam coming up or when you have a problem at the office? That's right.

Who is at higher risk of developing IBS?

IBS is most common in people between the ages of 18-20 and early 40s . Women are about twice as likely to develop IBS as men. Other risk factors include:

• Intolerance to certain foods.
• Having had a severe digestive tract infection in the past.
• As mentioned earlier, having a history of being abused during childhood or later.
• Having mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Many people with IBS also have other chronic pain conditions. Conditions that increase the risk of IBS include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (Chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Chronic pelvic pain

How to find out if you have IBS? (Diagnosis)

The first step in diagnosing IBS is to take a complete medical history. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. For example:

• Do you experience pain when defecating?
• Do you notice a difference in the frequency of your bowel movements?
• Is there a change in the appearance of your stool?
• How often do you have these symptoms?
• When did these symptoms start?
• Are you taking any medications?
• Have you recently been sick or gone through a stressful event in your life?

Depending on your symptoms, you may need to have further tests to confirm the diagnosis. There is no single definitive test to diagnose IBS. Instead, your doctor will determine if you have IBS by:

• I heard about your symptoms.
• Check to see if you have had your colon cancer screening done on time.
• Make sure you don't have symptoms that indicate other medical conditions.

Laboratory tests

Often, lab tests are done to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as an infection, a food intolerance, or another digestive disease (such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD). Not everyone needs the same tests.

• Blood test: Check for digestive system disease or other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
• Stool test: To check for inflammation in the intestines due to an infection or digestive system disease.
• Hydrogen breath test: Check if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or food intolerances.

Other tests (Imaging tests)

Imaging procedures may be necessary to rule out inflammation or abnormal growths in your digestive system.

• Colonoscopy: This helps your doctor find out if you have any bowel problems (such as polyps, IBD, or cancerous growths) that may be causing your symptoms. During this test, your doctor inserts a tube (scope) with a camera inside it that can see your entire colon.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is similar to a colonoscopy, but the doctor can only see inside your rectum and the lower part of your colon.
• Upper endoscopy: This can help diagnose celiac disease or other digestive system problems. This test uses a thin tube to look at your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine, the duodenum.

What are the treatments for IBS?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, most people with IBS can find a treatment plan that works for them. Common treatments include dietary changes and lifestyle changes. Medications can also help. Behavioral health therapy may also help some people.

Many of these treatments take some time to work. While they may help control your symptoms, they may not completely eliminate them.

Changes in diet

A dietitian can help you choose foods that are right for you and change your eating habits to prevent symptoms from worsening. He or she may recommend things like:

• Add more fiber to your diet. Foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raisins, nuts) can help people with constipation. But don't start eating more fiber all at once; add it gradually, so your intestines have time to adjust.
• Take supplemental fiber. Another option is to use fiber supplements such as Metamucil® or Citrucel® (consult your doctor before taking these).
• Limit dairy foods (such as cheese and milk). Lactose intolerance is common among people with IBS. If you are cutting back on dairy, be sure to eat other foods rich in calcium (e.g., broccoli, spinach, salmon).
• Limit foods that cause gas. Foods like beans, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are known to cause gas. Carbonated drinks and chewing gum can also cause gas. Reduce these foods and give your intestines a break.
• Avoid foods that contain gluten. Even people who don't have celiac disease (IBS) can be sensitive to gluten. If you choose a gluten-free diet, talk to your doctor to make sure you're getting the key vitamins and minerals (such as fiber, iron, and calcium) found in gluten-containing foods.
• Try the Low FODMAP diet. This diet plan reduces the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Instead, it recommends alternative foods that provide you with the nutrients you need and are easy on your digestive system. This can be a bit complicated, so it's best to consult a doctor or dietitian.
• Drink plenty of water. Drink at least 8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water a day. Water keeps your digestive system hydrated and helps relieve or prevent constipation.
• Keep a food diary. Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary to find out what foods you eat and which foods trigger your IBS symptoms. You can then show this to a nutritionist.

Lifestyle changes

Changing your daily activities can also help. Your doctor may recommend the following:

• Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. That's about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. "Moderate" means the level at which your heart rate increases.
• Try relaxation techniques. Daily yoga, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques can help calm an overworked nervous system and a "restless stomach." Sometimes a behavioral therapist can also help.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of good sleep every night. Go to bed at the same time every day. A good night's sleep is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress. If you're having trouble sleeping, see a doctor.
• Keep an activity diary. Write down the activities that help you manage your IBS and discuss them with your doctor.

Therapy

Many people with IBS benefit from seeing a therapist. Therapy can help you manage stress and conditions that contribute to IBS, such as anxiety and depression. Some people find relief with these methods:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Hypnotherapy
• Biofeedback

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications such as these to relieve symptoms:

• Antidepressants (if you have significant stomach pain along with depression and anxiety). These include medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Medications that relieve constipation (including fiber supplements and laxatives).
• Medicines that thicken stools (anti-diarrheals).
• Medicines that reduce intestinal cramping.

Although research on their effectiveness is still ongoing, your doctor may recommend probiotics. These "good bacteria" may help relieve IBS symptoms.

There are also medications specifically used to treat IBS:

• Dicyclomine (Bentyl®)
• Hyoscyamine (Levsin®)
• Lubiprostone ((Lubiprostone (Amitiza®)))
• Linaclotide ((Linaclotide (Linzess®)))
• Plecanatide ((Plecanatide (Trulance®)))
• Rifaximin ((Rifaximin (Xifaxan®)))

Important: All of these medications should be used only under medical advice. Do not take medications on your own.

Can IBS be completely cured?

No, there is no cure for IBS. However, many people can manage their symptoms well by avoiding triggers and taking medication when needed.

Can IBS cause other serious intestinal diseases?

No, having IBS does not put you at increased risk of developing serious conditions like colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer. This is a big fear for many people, but don't be overly concerned about it.

How does someone with IBS usually feel?

Living with IBS can be challenging, as symptoms can come and go throughout your life. Finding a treatment can be a bit of a trial and error process. But the good news is that almost everyone with IBS can eventually find a treatment that works for them.

Typically, symptoms improve over time by making changes to your diet and activity levels. You may need to be patient as you identify and avoid triggers. Your symptoms may not go away completely. However, you should see a significant improvement in how you feel within a few weeks or months.

Can I prevent IBS?

Since the exact cause of IBS is not yet known, there is no way to prevent or reverse it. However, if you have IBS, avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency of your symptoms.

When is it best to seek medical advice?

If your symptoms persist for more than three months, or if they get worse day by day, you should definitely see a doctor. Even if your symptoms are not very frequent, if they interfere with your daily life, it is a good idea to talk to your family doctor (Primary care provider).

Some symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. If you have any of the following along with typical IBS symptoms , see a doctor as soon as possible:

If you have any of these symptoms along with IBS symptoms, see a doctor immediately!

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea so severe that it wakes you up at night.
• Severe stomach pain (especially pain that doesn't go away after a bowel movement or passing air).

Questions to ask your doctor

If you have symptoms of IBS, ask your doctor questions like these:

• What medications can help me?
• What foods should I avoid?
• What lifestyle changes do I need to make?
• How soon will I start feeling better?

Take-Home Message

IBS symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, can be really uncomfortable and can interfere with your life. However, IBS is a manageable condition. You can improve your symptoms by changing what you eat and drink and adjusting your daily routine to address triggers. If you have persistent stomach problems, be sure to see a doctor. Together, you can find an IBS treatment plan that works for you. Don't panic, and don't suffer alone!

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