Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colitis and nervous colon, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause many discomforting symptoms.
The symptoms often improve, especially when a person learns to manage it with time. While the exact cause of IBS is still unknown, recent research suggests that it is triggered by microbes present during infectious gastroenteritis.
The purpose of this post is to help you understand the symptoms, diagnostic process, medications specific to the treatment, and possible treatments relating to this disease.
IBS – Symptoms
The classic IBS symptoms include:
- abdominal pain and cramping
- a sudden need to use the bathroom
- changes in bowel habit
- diarrhoea or constipation
- mucus in stool
- abdominal swelling
Here, it’s important to understand that you might not be suffering from IBS, even if you have some or all of the above-listed symptoms. Many other gastrointestinal diseases also have more or less the same symptoms – celiac is one of the biggest examples.
So, you must ideally look for ways to rule out your exact condition.
IBS – Diagnosis
Unfortunately, there is no test to rule out IBS. Your GP might start with your detailed medical history.
If your IBS is linked with diarrhea, your doctor will also test you for gluten intolerance. Once you’ve been assessed for other conditions, your doctor is likely to use one of these diagnosis procedures to confirm IBS.
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Doctors use these criteria to monitor the recurrence of abdominal pain and discomfort. You are in a risk bracket if you experience these symptoms at least once in a week.
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These criteria focus on irregular bowel movements, stool mucus, etc. The more symptoms your medical history shows, the greater the risk of IBS.
Your GP might also advise you to go through other tests to assess whether you have symptoms that are a result of some other more severe illness.
For instance, if you’re anemic, or suffer from persistent diarrhea, have rectal bleeding or constant fever or nausea, you’ll likely need other tests.
What Other Tests do You Need if an Initial IBS Treatment Doesn’t Work
Lactose Intolerance
If your body fails to produce enough lactase, you may have difficulty digesting the sugar found in milk, yogurt, or other dairy products.
As a result, you may experience similar symptoms as IBS, including discomfort, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In that case, your GP might advise you to avoid dairy products for a few weeks.
Breath Test
A breath test is usually done to determine if you have bacterial growth in your small intestine.
Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is usually advised when your doctor suspects overgrowth of bacteria or celiac disease.
What Other Factors Can Trigger IBS?
Diet
The type of diet you consume can play a role in triggering the classic IBS symptoms. Some people experience symptoms after consuming chocolates, caffeine, and alcohol.
Some fruits and vegetables also contribute to triggering IBS symptoms. While there is no definite list of foods you must avoid to prevent IBS symptoms, make sure you avoid foods listed below to reduce your risk of developing severe symptoms.
- Dairy products
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beans
- Candies
- Gums
- Products with caffeine
Reducing the Risk of Flare through Diet
There are certain foods you should avoid to reduce the occurrence and severity of your IBS symptoms. These foods include:
- Fiber-Rich Foods and Grains
- Probiotics
- FODMAPs
Apart from that, regular exercise and high-liquid intake may also contribute to lessening the intensity and occurrence of typical IBS symptoms.
Your doctor might also suggest a few OTC medications based on your symptoms. For instance, your GP may advise you to take fiber supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, antidepressants, and pills to manage pain.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing the symptoms of IBS. For instance, you must:
Always Eat at Regular Times
Eating at regular times is not only beneficial in managing your IBS symptoms, but it can overall keep you healthy and fit. Don’t skip meals. Always eat in small portions.
Workout Daily
Exercise and routine work out are natural stress relievers. Physical activities, even if it’s for 20-25 minutes, can stimulate intestinal contractions.
Avoid Trigger Foods
This is pretty simple. Avoid food that triggers symptoms and cause trouble.
Also, you can benefit from alternative medicines. Some of the most popular alternative medicine therapies include:
Acupuncture
Recent research suggests that acupuncture can alleviate the symptoms of IBS.
Probiotics
Probiotics contain good bacterias that are good for our overall gut health. You can either consume probiotics in the form of supplements or can also include probiotic-rich foods in your diet. These foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.
Yoga/Meditation
Yoga or meditation can reduce stress and depression. There are many online videos available that you can watch or can also get yourself admitted in regular classes.
Peppermint
Peppermint, because of its antispasmodic nature, helps relieve stress and relax intestinal muscles.
Here, it’s important to understand that all these alternative medicines and treatments haven’t been backed by research yet. But yes, they do provide temporary relief to some of the prominent IBS symptoms.
Keep in mind, IBS is incurable. And, the only available way is to manage it properly to improve the quality of your life.
If you’re experiencing some or all of the above-mentioned IBS symptoms, you should contact a gastroenterologist.
If you have an upcoming appointment with a gastroenterologist, make sure you pay attention to the following things.
- Follow any pre-appointment dietary restrictions
- Jot down your symptoms so that it will become easier for you to communicate them with your doctor
- Make a list of trigger foods and talk about them with your doctor
- Prepare a list of your medications
- Make a reminder note containing questions you might want to ask from your doctor
- Go with a friend so that he or she can remember what the doctor says
IBS is a common yet chronic and discomforting condition. It drastically impacts your quality of life.
Since there are no treatments so far, you have to make changes to your diet and lifestyle to live an overall healthy life.
Luckily, there are many online support groups and forums where you can discuss your condition and feel better. There are also online services and platforms where you can find your nearest specialist pharmacy. But make sure you never use any medicine or treatment procedure without the consent of your concerned doctor.
While we have ensured to cover all the important aspects associated with IBS, please consult your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Last but not least, we would love to connect with our readers and highly appreciate it if you could spend a minute or two to drop your valuable feedback below. Stay healthy and fit.
