- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Root Causes Of Digestive Issues: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS is a chronic and sometimes debilitating disorder of gut-brain interaction that affects the large intestine. IBS is seen in nearly 1 in 10 individuals worldwide. It is more common in individuals less than 50 years of age, with the occurrences being slightly more common in women than in men.
IBS is characterised by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, on average, at least once per week over the past 3 months, related to bowel movement. These episodes are commonly associated with changes in the frequency or form of stools. Common symptoms include bloating, excessive gas and sometimes mucus in the stool.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Anoop K R, Consultant – Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Whitefield explained what IBS is and how it can be treated.
Is it IBS or Any Other Serious Disorders?
IBS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, but patients with alarming symptoms may have an underlying serious organic disease. Some alarming symptoms that we should look for in patients with IBS-like symptoms include:
- Blood in the stool
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
- Fever with nighttime symptoms
- The onset of symptoms after the age of 50
- Recurrent vomiting and difficulty swallowing
- Sudden onset of symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
Patients with IBS-like symptoms with any of these above-mentioned features should be thoroughly evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out serious conditions.
IBS: Root Causes Of Digestive Issues (Image Credits: Canva)
Types of IBS
- IBS can be classified into 3 subtypes based on predominant symptoms:
- IBS diarrhoea predominant
- IBS constipation predominant
- IBS with mixed bowel habits
Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact underlying cause of IBS is unknown, but several theories indicate multiple environmental and genetic factors that can have a role in the development of irritable bowel syndrome. Among the environmental factors, there can be acute or chronic stressors and anxiety, antibiotic exposure, GI infections, and diet and food intolerances. Genetic factors include dysregulation of gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, altered immune system, and intestinal permeability. It can also be due to alteration in the gut, microbial flora or abnormal gas handling.
Management of IBS
Dietary and lifestyle modification plays an important role in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Dietary changes include increasing the intake of dietary fibres and following a low FODMAP diet while avoiding trigger foods. Lifestyle modifications like stress management, regular exercise, and adequate sleep will also help control IBS symptoms. Medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, and anti-diarrhoeal drugs may also be necessary in some patients. Thus, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing symptoms of IBS or any alarming features that may indicate a more serious condition.
