If you have been recently diagnosed with IBS, here’s everything you need to know about symptoms and potential triggers for the condition. In a gist, IBS is a chronic condition that can be controlled, but not cured.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes digestive, abdominal discomfort and/or changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying damage. IBS sufferers will have a group of symptoms, but tests won’t show any physical explanation for those problems. IBS has evolved into a very common gastrointestinal disorder that affects 1 in 7 people. The causes are not well understood, and it is diagnosed based on ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications are the best option at present, and some medications may help as well. IBS is a chronic condition that can be controlled, but not cured.
At its core, IBS causes irritation because it affects the function and behavior of the intestines. Normally, the muscles lining the intestines contract and relax to move food along the digestive tract. In IBS, this pattern is disturbed, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. In addition, there can be a disturbance in sensation, with heightened sensitivity to normal gas or stool passing through the GI tract.
IBS symptoms
Diagnosis is based on symptoms in the absence of worrisome features and once other potential conditions have been ruled out.
Prevalence
1. About 2 in 3 IBS sufferers are female. About 1 in 3 IBS sufferers are male. IBS affects people of all ages, even children.
2. Worldwide it’s estimated that 10-15% of the population has IBS.
3. Most persons with IBS are under the age of 50.
4. Approximately 20 to 40% of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms.
5. Diagnosis of IBS was typically made 6.6 years after the symptoms began. (based on IFFGD survey)
Types of IBS
IBS can be classified as:
In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterized by two or more of: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” (IBS-PI).
Triggers
While the causes of IBS are still unknown, it is believed that the entire gut–brain axis is affected. Recent findings suggest that an allergy triggered peripheral immune mechanism may underlie the symptoms associated with abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is more prevalent in obese patients.
Causes and risk factors
Potential causes may include sensitivity of the GI tract to gas and bloating, changes in the microbiome (organisms in the gut), or changes in the levels of specific compounds or chemicals within the body, such as serotonin – a chemical in the body that helps regulate mood and social behavior. Although stress does not cause IBS, many people with IBS notice that stress does aggravate their symptoms. Having IBD or a recent GI tract infection (like gastroenteritis) can increase the risk for developing IBS. IBS does not have clear causes, but a number of factors are thought to play a role.
IBS treatments
Treatment of IBS is carried out to improve symptoms and can be very effective. This may include dietary changes, medication, probiotics, and counseling. Dietary measures include increasing soluble fiber intake, or a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). The “low FODMAP” diet is meant for short to medium term use and is not intended as a life-long therapy.
Your physician will likely engage in a detailed discussion about your dietary choices to identify any potential triggers for your symptoms that ought to be avoided. They might propose incorporating fiber supplements into your routine, along with regular physical activities like walking or yoga, as well as effective strategies for tackling life’s stressors (including ensuring you get sufficient sleep).
If these measures fail to effectively manage your symptoms, they may opt to prescribe medications. Possible options include anti-spasmodics to alleviate abdominal pain and cramps, gut-specific antibiotics to address diarrhea, and antidepressants for the treatment of anxiety or depression. There are various medications available that specifically target the treatment of IBS-C and IBS-D.
In addition, your doctor might recommend seeking the expertise of a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy, which can be beneficial in stress management and coping with IBS symptoms.
References:
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