Blog Details

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

An overview

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects innumerable people worldwide. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Although it is so prevalent, there is a lot of misunderstandings about IBS and its causes and treatment are still undergoing research.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic digestive condition that involves abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. It's also known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means that the digestive system works abnormally but without any obvious structural damage.

People with IBS experience a combination of symptoms that can fluctuate in severity, often triggered by factors like diet, stress or hormonal changes. While it is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be managed effectively with proper care and lifestyle adjustments.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The symptoms of IBS vary widely among individuals, but the most common ones include:

• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort.
• Changes in Bowel Movements: These may include diarrhoea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C) or a mixture of both (IBS-M).
• Bloating and Gas.
• Mucus in Stool: Some people with IBS may notice mucus in their stool, although not always.

However, it is comforting to know that these symptoms, though distressing and troublesome, do not cause lasting damage to the intestines or increase the risk of more serious diseases like colorectal cancer.

What causes IBS?

Several factors are responsible for a person contracting IBS though the exact cause is not well understood. These include:

Gut Motility Issues: IBS may involve abnormal contractions of the muscles in the intestines, leading to either diarrhoea or constipation.

Intestinal Sensitivity: People with IBS may have an overly sensitive gut that reacts to normal digestive processes, such as food or gas passing through.

Gut-Brain Interaction: Disruption of communication between the brain and the digestive system may lead to digestive discomfort.

Stress and Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression are commonly associated with IBS. Mental health can significantly influence the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Infections: IBS can sometimes develop after a gastrointestinal infection which is known as post-infectious IBS.

How is IBS diagnosed?

It is significant that there is no single test for IBS, so diagnosis is often based on the symptoms and the absence of other underlying conditions. In fact, ruling out other medical conditions is key to diagnosing IBS. Doctors often perform a thorough medical history review, physical examination and conduct tests like blood work, stool analysis or colonoscopy to exclude other causes of the symptoms.

Treatment of IBS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBS. However, there are several options whereby the symptoms can be managed. These include:

• Dietary Changes: A diet which eliminates certain fermentable carbohydrates reduces symptoms for many IBS sufferers.
• Medications: Depending on the symptoms, doctors may recommend antispasmodics, laxatives, antidiarrheal medications or even medications that target serotonin in the gut.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help reduce stress and tackle symptoms.
• Probiotics: These help balance gut bacteria and reduce symptoms like bloating and gas.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a challenging condition that affects a person’s quality of life. However, with the right approach, including dietary changes, medications and stress management techniques, most people can find relief.