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WHAT EXACTLY IS IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome, sometimes known as IBS, is a collection of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It is a common yet unpleasant gastrointestinal condition. IBS patients have excessive gas, stomach pain, and cramping.
WHAT IS A FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER?
IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These illnesses, often known as disorders of the gut-brain interface, are caused by issues with how your stomach and brain interact.
These issues make your digestive tract extremely sensitive. They also alter the contraction of your gut muscles. As a result, you'll experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF IBS ON MY BODY?
The colon muscle contracts more in patients with IBS than in people who do not have the ailment. Cramping and pain are caused by these contractions. IBS patients also have a decreased pain tolerance. Excess bacteria in the GI tract may potentially contribute to symptoms in patients with IBS, according to research.
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS FORMS OF IBS?
IBS is classified by researchers based on the sort of bowel movement problems you encounter. Your treatment may be influenced by the type of IBS you have. Certain medications are only effective for certain forms of IBS.
People with IBS frequently have normal bowel movements on some days and abnormal ones on others. The type of IBS you have is determined by the abnormal bowel motions you have:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C): The majority of your stool is hard and lumpy.
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): The majority of your stool is watery and loose.
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): On the same day, you experience both hard and lumpy stool movements and loose and watery movements.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER TERMS FOR IBS?
You may have heard the following terms for IBS:
- Irritable bowel.
- Irritable colon.
- Colon spasm.
- Nervous stomach, since symptoms frequently occur when you are under emotional stress, tension, or anxiety.
CAUSES OF IBS
Researchers aren't sure what causes IBS. They believe that IBS is caused by a mix of causes, including:
- Dysmotility: Problems with the way your GI muscles contract and pass food through your digestive tract.
- Visceral hypersensitivity: Nerves in the GI tract that are extremely sensitive.
- Brain-gut dysfunction: Miscommunication between brain and gastrointestinal nerves.
WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING IBS?
Who is at risk of getting IBS?
People in their late teens to early forties are the most likely to have the illness. Women are twice as likely as males to get IBS. Multiple family members may suffer from IBS.
You may be more vulnerable if you have:
- Anxiety, tension, or emotional stress
- Food sensitivities
- Abuse, either physically or sexually, in the past.
- Infection of the digestive tract.
- A history of IBS in your family.
SYMPTOMS OF IBS
IBS symptoms include:
- Cramps or abdominal pain, commonly in the bottom portion of the abdomen.
- Bloating.
- Harder or softer bowel movements than normal.
- Diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two
- Excessive gas
- Mucus in your feces (may look whitish).
Symptoms of IBS in women may worsen during their periods. These symptoms frequently reoccur, which might make you feel agitated or angry. You'll start to feel better physically and mentally as you master management skills and acquire control over flare-ups.
IBS DIAGNOSIS
Consult your doctor if you've been experiencing unpleasant GI problems. A medical history and physical exam are the initial steps in diagnosing IBS. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms:
- Do you experience bowel movement pain?
- Do you notice a difference in the frequency with which you urinate?
- Is there a difference in the appearance of your poop?
- How frequently do you experience symptoms?
- When did your symptoms first appear?
- What medications do you use?
- Have you lately been ill or experienced a stressful event in your life?
Other tests, depending on your symptoms, may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Other conditions that mimic IBS can be ruled out through blood tests, stool samples, and X-rays.
IS IT NECESSARY TO SEE A GASTROENCOLOGIST?
If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, consult your primary care physician or regular healthcare practitioner first. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist by your provider.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in detecting and treating digestive system disorders such as:
- IBS.
- Colorectal (colon) cancer
- Disease of the liver
- Esophageal and swallowing disorders
- Disorders of the pancreas
WILL I REQUIRE A COLONOSCOPY?
Your clinician may offer a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to check your colon in further detail based on your symptoms, medical history, and other considerations. These two outpatient procedures are nearly identical. A sigmoidoscopy, on the other hand, just examines the lower half of the colon. A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the whole colon.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy can aid in the diagnosis of intestinal problems, rectal bleeding, and polyps. Your provider will:
- In the rectum, insert a sigmoidoscope, a long, thin, flexible device.
- Bring the sigmoidoscope up to the colon.
- Examine the rectum lining and the lower section of the colon.
Here's what to expect from a colonoscopy. Your service provider will:
- Through the rectum, insert the colonoscope.
- Examine the entire colon with the scope.
- Remove small amounts of tissue for a biopsy (if necessary).
- Identify and remove polyps, which are tiny growths (if necessary).
Using a colonoscopy, physicians may often make an accurate diagnosis and even administer treatment. A colonoscopy is a far less invasive procedure than an abdominal surgery.
IBS TREATMENT
There is no single therapy that works for everyone, but the majority of people with IBS can discover a treatment that works for them. Your IBS treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs by your healthcare professional. Dietary and lifestyle changes are common therapy choices. A nutritionist can assist you in developing a diet that is appropriate for your lifestyle.
Many people discover that by making these changes, their symptoms improve:
Changes in activity:
- Regular exercise is essential.
- Don't smoke.
- Experiment with relaxing techniques.
- Consume smaller meals more frequently.
- Keep track of what you consume so you can determine which foods cause IBS flare-ups. Red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow's milk are all common triggers.
Dietary modifications:
- Increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
- Supplement your diet with fiber supplements such as Metamucil® or Citrucel®.
- Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
- Caffeine should be avoided (from coffee, chocolate, teas and sodas).
- Cheese and milk should be limited. Lactose intolerance is more common in IBS patients. Calcium should also be obtained from other sources, such as broccoli, spinach, salmon, or supplements.
- Try the low FODMAP diet, which can help alleviate symptoms.
Medical changes:
- If you have depression, anxiety, and severe stomach pain, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication.
- Other medications may be used to treat diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
- Probiotics could be a good alternative for you. These "good bacteria" can aid in the alleviation of symptoms.
- If your symptoms do not improve, consult your healthcare professional. More testing may be required to determine whether an underlying issue is causing the symptoms.
What if the drugs don't work?
Symptoms may not respond to medical treatment in rare circumstances. Your doctor may send you to a therapist who specializes in mental health. Some sufferers get alleviation by:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Hypnotherapy.
- Biofeedback.
Is it possible to avoid IBS?
IBS cannot be prevented or avoided because there is no identified cause. If you have IBS, you can prevent flare-ups by avoiding triggers.
How can I manage my IBS?
It might be difficult to get a handle on IBS. Treatment is frequently trial and error. The good news is that almost everyone with IBS can discover a treatment that works for them.
Changing one's diet and activity level usually improves symptoms over time. You may need to be patient while you identify your triggers and take actions to prevent them. However, you should notice a considerable difference in how you feel after a few weeks or months. A nutritionist can assist you in developing a healthy, filling diet that matches your specific requirements.
Is IBS life-threatening?
IBS is not fatal. Living with this ailment can be difficult because it comes and goes throughout your life. However, there are numerous approaches to managing and living with IBS.
Is there a cure for IBS?
There is no cure for IBS. The purpose of treatment is to control and manage symptoms.
How should I care for myself if I have IBS?
IBS is likely to follow you for the rest of your life. However, it does not shorten your life expectancy and does not necessitate surgery to treat. To feel your best, strive to identify and avoid your triggers, which may include specific meals, drugs, or stressful situations. A dietician can assist you in developing a balanced diet that is tailored to your unique requirements. If your symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor.
When should I consult a physician?
Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms more than three times each month for longer than three months. Also, if you get symptoms less frequently but they are interfering with your life, it's a good idea to consult your provider.
Some symptoms may indicate a more serious issue. If you develop any of the following symptoms, contact your physician as soon as possible:
- Bleeding.
- Fever.
- Loss of weight.
- Excruciating pain.
CONCLUSION
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, can be difficult to manage. IBS symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating, can significantly disrupt your life. However, IBS is manageable. Though there is no cure, diet and lifestyle adjustments can help control and improve symptoms. Consult your healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent stomach symptoms. You can find an IBS treatment plan that works for you if you work together.