Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It's a functional gastrointestinal condition, meaning it affects how the gut works, rather than being caused by structural abnormalities or disease.
Key Features:
- Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or cramping.
- Bloating or distension.
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both).
- Gas or flatulence.
- Mucus in the stool.
- Triggers:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Certain foods (like dairy, caffeine, fatty or spicy foods).
- Hormonal changes (especially in women during menstruation).
- Gastrointestinal infections.
- Types of IBS:
- IBS-D: Predominantly diarrhea.
- IBS-C: Predominantly constipation.
- IBS-M: Mixed (alternating between diarrhea and constipation).
Causes:
The exact cause of IBS is not known, but contributing factors may include:
- Abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine.
- Nervous system sensitivity.
- Gut microbiota imbalance.
- Infections or inflammation in the gut.
- Stress or mental health issues.
Management:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoiding trigger foods.
- Managing stress with techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Low FODMAP diet (avoiding fermentable carbs).
- High-fiber diet (if constipation is dominant).
- Medications:
- Fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation.
- Anti-diarrheal medications for diarrhea.
- Antispasmodic drugs for pain.
- Probiotics to improve gut health.
- Therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Hypnotherapy.
When to See a Doctor:
Consult a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent or severe symptoms.
- Weight loss.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Anemia.
- Symptoms that start after age 50.
While IBS can be uncomfortable and affect quality of life, it does not cause long-term damage to the intestines or increase the risk of serious diseases like colorectal cancer.
