Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and intestines. It’s a chronic illness that requires ongoing care. Some individuals can control their symptoms by managing their stress levels, taking counseling and changing lifestyle. Treatment options for more severe symptoms include medication and therapy. So, read on to learn all about IBS syndrome symptoms, causes and treatment.
IBS Syndrome Symptoms
IBS disease symptoms can recur often. They might also happen during flare-ups. To put it another way, symptoms are not always present. Rather, the symptoms can sometimes disappear and your bowel movements will return to normal. Other times, the symptoms come back.
Some of the IBS syndrome symptoms include:
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Abdominal pain or cramping, typically associated with the need to go to the toilet
- Mucus in the poop (may appear whitish)
- Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating episodes of both
- Feeling like you can’t empty your bowel even after you poop (Incomplete evacuation of bowel)
Know In-Depth: Possible IBS Causes
The exact IBS causes aren’t known yet. Several factors seem to be involved:
- Abnormal Contractions of the Intestinal Muscles:
Layers of muscles that line the walls of your intestines contract to help food pass through your digestive tract. Contractions that are stronger and persist longer than normal might lead to bloating, gas and diarrhea. Weak contractions can cause stiff, dry stools by slowing the passage of food. - Nervous System:
When your belly stretches from gas or stool, problems with the nerves in your digestive system can result in discomfort. Your body may overreact to normal changes in the digestive process if there is an imbalance in the signals that are sent from the brain to the intestines. Constipation, diarrhea, or discomfort may come from this. - Severe Infection:
After a severe episode of infectious diarrhea brought on by a virus or bacteria, irritable bowel syndrome may develop. It is referred to as gastroenteritis. Bacterial overgrowth, or an excess of bacteria in the intestines, may potentially be linked to IBS. - Stress in Early Life:
Individuals who have experienced stressful situations, particularly as children, are more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Alterations in Gut Microbiome. Examples of these alterations include modifications in the fungi, bacteria and viruses that are normally found in the intestines and are essential for good health. Studies suggest that the microbiota in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may be different from those in healthy individuals.
Triggers Behind IBS Syndrome Symptoms
If you suffer from IBS disease symptoms, you might have noticed that certain situations set off the symptoms. A trigger can start or exacerbate a flare-up, but it does not cause the illness itself.
Typical triggers are:
Periods:
Symptoms of IBS in females may intensify predictably during some phases of their menstrual cycle, especially in susceptible females.
Specific Foods:
The foods that trigger the symptoms differ from person to person. However, foods that are known to cause gas, such as dairy products, and gluten-containing items like wheat are popular triggers that might set off a flare-up.
Stress:
According to research, IBS is your body’s reaction to stress. That’s why, IBS is sometimes referred to as having a “nervous stomach” or an “anxious stomach.”
Treatment Options to Prevent IBS Syndrome Symptoms
The goal of irritable bowel syndrome treatment is to reduce symptoms as much as possible to enable symptom-free living. Mild symptoms are frequently controlled with stress management techniques as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Attempt to:
Steer clear of foods that aggravate your symptoms
- Consume foods high in fiber
- Make sure to stay hydrated
- Engage in regular exercise
- Make time to sleep
Your healthcare professional may advise you to cut out:
- Foods and beverages high in gas, such as carbonated and alcoholic drinks
- Gluten-containing foods including barley, wheat and rye
- FODMAPs, or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are a group of carbohydrates that include fructose, fructans, lactose, and other carbs. Some cereals, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products include FODMAPs.
Your symptoms may dictate the prescription of one or more of the following medications:
- Fiber supplements
- Laxatives
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Anticholinergic medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- SSRI antidepressants
- Pain medications
Conclusion
Irritable bowel syndrome has a major influence on day-to-day life. Managing IBS syndrome symptoms requires knowledge of the underlying causes, awareness of triggers, and implementation of the necessary lifestyle modifications.
Many people might benefit from dietary changes and stress reduction techniques, but in extreme circumstances, medical attention could be necessary. It is possible to manage IBS and live a life free of symptoms if you take the proper approach. Always seek the advice of a medical expert for a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.