Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine (your colon).
Also known as spastic colon, IBS means that your colon isn’t working properly. IBS is a group of symptoms that occur together and affect your digestive system. These usually present as a mix of abdominal discomfort or pain and trouble with your bowel movements.
Here are seven crucial things you need to know about this chronic condition.
IBS is a syndrome
Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBS is a syndrome. It doesn’t damage your digestive system or tissue in the way that diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can. IBS can be uncomfortable, but it is possible to regulate or even overcome many of the unpleasant symptoms.
IBS symptoms vary
Up to half of people with IBS might not even know that they have it. It’s a tricky syndrome to identify, and your doctor may not always give you an official diagnosis.
IBS symptoms differ person to person, but they usually occur for a prolonged period. Typically, you need to display symptoms for a minimum of three times a month for three consecutive months to be diagnosed with IBS.
Some common IBS signs are:
- abdominal pain, bloating, cramping or gas linked to passing a bowel movement
- changes in the appearance and frequency of your bowel movement
- constipation, diarrhoea, or both
Symptoms stem from your colon and are often aggravated after meals. Flare-ups can last for a few days before the symptoms either improve or completely resolve. In some cases, symptoms can resolve and then return, while other people contend with continuous symptoms.
Is it common?
IBS is a surprisingly common problem. It affects more women than men. Women may be prone to displaying symptoms or experiencing more of these when they are menstruating. Some women have increased symptoms during pregnancy. Even though IBS symptoms in men are the same as in women, fewer men actually report these and seek treatment.
The cause of IBS is unknown
The exact cause of IBS isn’t yet fully known. Your body’s physical process involved in IBS could be different to someone else. Possible reasons could be an overly sensitive colon or immune system.
You may have a sensitivity to certain foods that triggers your symptoms. Perhaps changes in your body’s hormones or chemicals are to blame. You could have crossed nerve signals between your brain and colon, or even too much bacteria in your colon.
There are many other theories medical experts hold about what causes IBS, but the true cause, for now, remains a mystery.
IBS has trigger
It’s possible to manage IBS symptoms by being aware of your triggers.
Most people with IBS have worse or more frequent symptoms when they’re extremely stressed. Anxiety and depression are also known contributors to IBS symptoms.
Some foods may impact you more than others, so these you can avoid or reduce in your diet. Beans, cabbage and cauliflower can cause gas. Citrus fruits, wheat and too many high-fibre foods can also cause gas and bloating.
Certain foods aggravate IBS-related constipation. These could be breads and cereals made with refined grains, processed foods and alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee and consuming too much protein in your diet.
IBS-related diarrhoea can be made worse by too much fibre from fruit and vegetable skins, fatty and fried foods, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol.
Not sure of your trigger foods? Keep a food diary for a month or more can help you identify trends.
Food and medicine can help
Hi-fibre foods or a fibre supplement can help relieve both constipation and diarrhoea. Gradually adding more fibre-rich snacks such as fresh or dried fruit, or fresh or tender-crisp cooked vegetables as well as meals made from whole grain breads and pastas can help. Your doctor might prescribe medication for relief if this doesn’t make any difference.
You can do something about it
While there’s no cure for IBS, it’s possible to avoid your triggers, adjust your diet and follow your doctor’s advice. This can help to significantly lower your risk of discomfort and flare ups. You can:
- avoid fatty, deep-fried, or spicy meal
- consume smaller meals more frequently throughout the day
- decrease your caffeine intake
- develop strategies to limit your anxiety and stre
- drink plenty of fluid
- perform regular physical exercise
- replace nutrients that have been lost by supplementing with minerals and vitamin
- take probiotics to help relieve bloating and ga
Most people with IBS get better with time. Making the right lifestyle changes and knowing your treatment options can help significantly reduce, relieve, or eliminate your IBS symptoms. You are not alone. If you’re equipped with information and the keys to know how to manage it, you can feel healthy and supported and make the most of every day.
Date Published: 20 May 2021
