IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: IBS CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT - BY ABDUL RAUF

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the digestive system. It is a long-term disorder that causes discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. It may be severe, or mild. In severe cases, it results in complications.

As it is a chronic disease, it may last for months to years. The most common IBS symptoms are diarrhea and constipation. You can overcome it with the use of the IBS diet.

Some people think that long-term irritability may be a cause of colon cancer. There is no evidence about it. It does not damage the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to cancer.

People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome experience

·         Pain in abdomen 

·         Too much gas

·         Cramps

 

Types of IBS

 There are three types of the disease. Its types depend upon the movement of the bowel.

 Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): It causes discomfort. The patient suffers from pain and delay in bowel movement.

 Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D): It is the situation indicated by loose stool. It causes periodic bowel movements and increases the need for urgent use of the toilet. 

·         Irritable bowel syndrome with mixed bowel movements (IBS-M): It is the mixture of the above situations.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms are mild to moderate. They include:

 ·         Swelling in abdomen

 ·         Excessive gas

 ·         Cramps, that may reduce after stool

 ·         Bloating

 ·         Diarrhea

 ·         Constipation

IBS symptoms may get worse and worse after having a meal. These symptoms may be severe in one day and may reduce in the other day. IBS symptoms may resemble other diseases. They involve:

 

·         Headache

·         Joint pain

·         Fatigue

·         Frequent urine

·         Bad breathe

·         Painful sex mostly in females

·         Anxiety and depression (due to discomfort situation)

 

Food that triggers IBS Symptoms

 

As we know that IBS symptoms become worse after food intake. Some food can initiate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

·         Chocolate

·         Milk

·         Alcohol

These also cause diarrhea or constipation. Some fruits and vegetables also initiate IBS symptoms. It may be due to an allergic reaction of the digestive system against the food. These fruits and vegetables are:

 ·         Onion

 ·         Banana

 ·         Beans

 ·         Carrots

 ·         Celery

 ·         Apricot

 ·         Bagels

 ·         Prunes

Other food products that are responsible for such issues are

·         Dairy product

·         Candies

·         Products having caffeine such as tea and coffee.

·         Gums (without sugar)

 

IBS diet that can reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome 

1.       Fiber intake

 Fibrous food reduces the risk and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

·         Apple

·         Berries     

·         Whole grains

·         Popcorn

Are rich in fibers. The use of an IBS diet reduces the effects of the disease.

2.   Probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements are a source of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria support or gut. You do not feel relief immediately by the use of the supplement.

It may take a week to relieve the symptoms. But when these supplements induce effects, these are long-lasting. Use of IBS diet along with the supplements is best.

3.  Schedule food

Take your meal at a proper time. When you skip a meal or eat after many hours, you may develop the disease. Schedule your diet plan for the whole day and follow it.

 4.  Low-(FODMAP) diet

 FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and polyols. The food rich in FODMAP causes the release of gas. Avoid such foods and take an IBS diet.

5.  Low-fat diet

Low fat is the best IBS diet. High fats are difficult to digest. Use light food to avoid irritable bowel syndrome.

 Beans

·         Cherry

·         Spinach

 Are low-fat foods. 

The causes of the disease are not clear. According to some researchers, microbial factors may be the cause of irritable bowel syndrome.

People that have suffered from food poisoning may also develop the disease. The microbial factors that are responsible for the disease may affect the immune system. They may weaker the immune system and induce a prolonged issue.

Here are some causes that induce irritable bowel syndrome:

·         Diet

Any food that causes irritation or allergic reaction is a reason for irritable bowel syndrome. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt trigger the effects. An IBS diet is best in non-complicated situations.

·         Environmental factors

Depression and stress disturb the digestive system. So these factors are also responsible for irritable bowel syndrome.

·         Genetics

In some cases, it is due to genetics. It runs from one generation to the other. So if your parents and forefathers had the disease you should take care to avoid it.

·         Hormones

Any hormonal imbalance may result in irritable bowel syndrome.

·         Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A person who has passed through serious trauma can develop the disease. This kind of stress disorder is a reason for irritable bowel syndrome.

These are some other causative factors for IBS:

 ·         Highly sensitive digestive organ 

 ·         Infection

 ·         Poor control of the Central nervous system on the digestive system

 ·         Malfunctioning of the muscles of the digestive system

Hormonal issues complicate the situation. Women are more prone to hormonal issues. IBS disturb them more. 

Diagnosis of IBS

There is no specific imaging scan or laboratory test that can detect irritable bowel syndrome. Only the blood test can indicate the type of irritable bowel syndrome. The doctor will observe the IBS symptoms to find the issue.

 A blood test detects:

 ·         Celiac Disease

 ·         Overgrowth of bacteria in the intestinal tract

 ·         Lactose intolerance

 Besides the blood test, signs and symptoms detect the type of irritable bowel syndrome. These may include:

 ·         Anemia

 ·         Swelling in abdomen 

 ·         Weigh lot loss

 ·         Severe pain in the abdomen at night

 ·         Blood in stool

 ·         Genetics

 

Risk factors for Irritable bowel syndrome

Here are some risk factors that can induce Irritable bowel syndrome in the future:

       ·         Stress

·         Family History

·         Pain in abdomen

·         Sleep issues

·         Unhealthy diet

 You must take some preventive steps especially in the case of family history. Prefer an IBS diet. 

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

To treat irritable bowel syndrome, some important steps are

·         Use an IBS diet

·         Change your lifestyle

·         Avoid depression and stress

Let’s talk about proper IBS treatment

Manage your diet

 Avoid unhealthy food. IBS diet helps you to avoid disease

·         Some sugar alternatives cause diarrhea. These are present in some diet food.

·         Do not miss any meal

·         When you sit to eat, eat slowly

·         Prefer the use of vegetables

·         Avoid alcohol

 Stress management

 Stress is a cause of irritable bowel syndrome. So avoid as much stress as you can.

       ·         Take daily exercise

·         Use relaxation techniques such as meditation

·         Yoga

·         Long breath exercise

 

Medical treatment

 Go to the doctor in severe cases. The medication involves the use of:

 ·         Antispasmodic medicine

 ·         Anti motility medicine

 ·         Tricyclic antidepressant