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IBS (IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME)

Its Symptoms And Solutions

Irritable bowel syndrome is the name given to a condition which
affects the large intestine and causes symptoms like abdominal
pain, bloating and a change in bowel habits.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Abdominal Pain

What causes IBS?

  • The exact cause of IBS is not known.
  • In some people it starts after a bout of gut infection, like diarrhea, probably due to the destruction of the good bacteria of the gut.
  • It is also attributed to imbalance in the muscle co-ordination of the gut muscles
  • Hormone issues can be a reason for some people
  • An imbalance in the nervous system can cause this condition also

Who are the people more prone to getting IBS?

  • Women under the age of 50 are more prone to develop IBS.
  • Family history also plays a role
  • A history of mental conditions like anxiety, physical, mental or sexual abuse.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

  • IBS can commonly cause abdominal pain and bloating.
  • It can also cause an altered bowel habit.
  • Constipation can cause haemorrhoids in which there is bleeding in the stools
  • Frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.
  • The stools can also change to ribbon like or watery.

How is IBS diagnosed?

  • As there is no definitive test to diagnose IBS, your doctor might diagnose the condition by taking a detailed history of your condition, including triggers and lifestyle factors that might be playing a role.
  • There might be tests conducted to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, including gluten intolerance, a stool test, sigmoidoscopy to see the interior of your intestine and CT scans.

How is IBS managed?

  • Managing IBS needs the combined approach of drug therapy as well as lifestyle coaching and counselling.
  •  Counselling can help in stress management.
  •  Biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation are techniques also help in relaxing the body under the stress.
  • The medical treatment of IBS depends on the type of symptoms you might be experiencing.
  • Anti diarrhoeal medicines like loperamide can help in controlling diarrhea.
  • Painful abdominal cramps can be reduced with medicines like dicyclomine. These can sometimes cause constipation and blurred vision, so please take the medicine exactly as advised by your doctor.
  • For constipation, your doctor might advise laxatives like milk of magnesia.
  • Sometimes, antidepressant medicines help in controlling the symptoms of IBS. Various anti-depressants like tricyclic anti-depressants (imipramine or nortriptyline) or SSRI antidepressants (Prozac or paxil) might be helpful. They sometimes cause drowsiness or blurred vision, so do take them as prescribed.
  • Some medicines help to relax the colon. Alosetron is one such drug and is used for only women with severe diarrhea due to IBS.
  • Rifaximin is an antibiotic that reduces bacterial overgrowth and controls diarrhea.
  • Lubiprostone increases secretions in the intestine and is used for women with constipation.

What are the precautions that can prevent bouts of IBS?

Certain conditions can trigger bouts of IBS.

  • Foods like dairy products, wheat, beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks can set off a bout of IBS in people prone to the condition.
  • Women tend to find the symptoms worse at the time of their period.
  • Stress can also be a trigger for a bout of IBS.
  • Using stress controlling techniques including yoga and meditation can also help in controlling the bouts of IBS.

We advocate medical supervision prior to starting any treatment regime.  

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024780