Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the common gastrointestinal ailment known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Chronic stomach pain, bloating, and variations in bowel movements are its signs, and these conditions can have a big influence on day-to-day living. Abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of these are common symptoms. These symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even months and usually vary. While menopausal women often have fewer complaints, women may have more discomfort during their periods. Even though IBS doesn’t directly harm the digestive system, extreme symptoms like rectal bleeding or inexplicable weight loss could be signs of other significant disorders that need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Although the exact cause of IBS is still unknown, a number of factors have a role in its development. Among these are erratic intestinal muscular contractions, which can result in constipation or diarrhea. Sensitivity to regular digestive processes may potentially be increased by poor brain-gut cooperation. IBS symptoms may be brought on by bacterial overgrowth or severe gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, stress in early life makes people more susceptible to IBS in later life. The development of IBS may also be influenced by modifications in the makeup of gut bacteria. Effective management of the illness can be facilitated by an understanding of these factors.
IBS is more common in some populations. Women are twice as likely as males to have the illness, and those under 50 are more vulnerable. A family history of IBS points to both environmental and genetic factors. IBS is closely associated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These risk factors emphasize how crucial early intervention and individualized management techniques are.
Bowel movement patterns are used to categorize IBS into various categories. These consist of IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and IBS with constipation (IBS-C). Since different drugs are more effective for different forms of IBS, knowing the type is essential for customizing treatment approaches. IBS is usually diagnosed by examining symptoms including changes in the frequency or appearance of bowel movements and abdominal pain related to them. Before being diagnosed, these symptoms must last for at least three months, according to the Rome IV criteria. To rule out other conditions, other tests like stool analysis or X-rays might be performed.
Medical therapies, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes are all part of the treatment for IBS. Dietary adjustments include consuming more fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts; avoiding lactose and caffeine if intolerant; and adhering to specific diets, such as low FODMAP, to reduce symptoms. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, eating smaller meals more often, and recognizing trigger foods like dairy or wheat products are all examples of lifestyle changes. Probiotics to control gut flora, counseling or stress-reduction methods to enhance gut-brain communication, and antidepressants for severe stomach discomfort or mental health problems are examples of medical interventions.
IBS can have a major impact on quality of life, leading to mental anguish and frustration, and it requires constant management. However, many people experience symptom reduction and recover control of their lives with the right dietary modifications, lifestyle improvements, and medical assistance. Patients are better equipped to seek the right care and make health-related decisions when they are aware of the complexity of IBS. It’s crucial to seek individualized advice from a healthcare provider if your IBS symptoms are chronic.
Link: https://www.yashodahospitals.com/
Dr. K. S. Somasekhar Rao, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyd.