Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by recurring abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits, IBS can significantly impact daily life. While it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines, its symptoms can be distressing and difficult to manage. Here, we'll go over some essential information to help you understand IBS, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that affects the stomach and large intestine (the gastrointestinal tract). It's quite a common condition, affecting up to 10% of the global population, but most instances are mild and don't involve doctor intervention. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), people who experience IBS do so without visible signs of damage or disease in their digestive tract. Still, IBS can be annoying and frustrating, so seeing your doctor may be the best option to help get your GI tract in order.
Different Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
When a doctor diagnoses IBS, they may ask you some questions about your symptoms and bowel habits. This is because many experts categorize IBS based on how your stools appear when you experience flare-ups. Many individuals tend to have a mixture of normal and abnormal bowel movements. Your IBS treatment is typically determined based on how the abnormal days present themselves. The different types of IBS tend to be:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C) — hardy, lumpy fecal matter
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) — loose, watery fecal matter
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) — a mixture of both hard/lumpy and loose/watery
Different types of IBS may be associated with various symptoms that occur within the digestive system. Seeing your doctor is the best way to understand symptoms and causes while finding the best treatment for IBS.
Risk Factors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are a few risk factors for developing IBS, some of which may be surprising. Interestingly enough, irritable bowel syndrome is considered a neuro-gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, meaning it's a disorder that occurs between the interaction of the gut and the brain. With that being said, some of the biggest factors include:
- Younger age — IBS is more common in individuals under 50
- Female — IBS tends to occur more often in women
- Family history — There may be a genetic predisposition to IBS
- Mental health issues — Individuals with anxiety or depression are more likely to have IBS
- A history of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse
Symptoms of IBS
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may come and go and tend to vary in severity. However, people with IBS tend to notice patterns in symptoms, which may be due to the cause or trigger of the condition. Some individuals also experience isolated flare-ups, while others tend to have more chronic symptoms. Regardless, people with IBS may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Diarrhea
- Mucus in stool
- Constipation
- Feelings of incomplete evacuation
- Change in bowel movements
- General feelings of fatigue
- Backache
- Problems urinating
- Bowel incontinence
Symptoms like belly pain, cramps, bloating, and gas tend to go away after using the bathroom, but it's still important to try and identify triggers. Several things can contribute to this group of symptoms, but if you're diagnosed with IBS, understanding the underlying cause can help you manage the condition.
When to See a Doctor
Some people may find that their IBS symptoms get better if they avoid certain foods and beverages. However, if you continue to have gastrointestinal issues that get worse or don't seem to be manageable, it's best to see a doctor. Irritable bowel syndrome is a cumbersome condition, but persistent changes and severe symptoms may indicate something more serious, like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. Severe symptoms that warrant a trip to your doctor include:
- Diarrhea at night
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained vomiting
- Weight loss
- Pain that isn't relieved when passing gas or stool
- Iron deficiency anemia
- A hard lump or swelling in the abdomen
- Shortness of breath or palpitations
What Causes Irritable Bowel System?
Unfortunately, many experts are unsure of the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Some possible causes may include:
- Dysmotility — Abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines
- Visceral Hypersensitivity — Increased sensitivity to pain in the digestive tract
- Changes in Gut Microbes — An imbalance in bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the intestines
- Infections — Some people develop IBS after severe gastroenteritis
- Stress — Emotional stress can exacerbate symptoms
- Certain Foods — Some foods may trigger IBS symptoms
- Hormonal Fluctuations — Many women notice worsening symptoms during menstruation
Treatment and Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Before beginning a treatment plan, your doctor may run some tests to help identify what causes IBS or contributes to symptoms. This may include a stool sample, blood tests, or hydrogen breath test to see if there is an overgrowth of bacteria in your gut. Your doctor may also order a colonoscopy or other imaging tests to rule out more serious underlying causes. If you have any questions regarding the diagnostics, don't hesitate to ask.
Once the type of IBS you have has been identified, along with ruling out any other underlying conditions, your doctor may put you on a treatment plan. Unfortunately, there's no single therapy that works for everyone. Different people respond differently to each option. In most situations, a change in diet and general lifestyle is enough to keep severe symptoms at bay.
Add Fiber
Modifying what you eat and drink is one of the most effective treatment options. This can help reduce the risk of diarrhea, constipation, or any other uncomfortable symptoms you experience. As an IBS patient, you should focus on increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. This needs to happen slowly so you give your body time to adjust, but doing so can help your body move food through the digestive tract in a more controlled way. First, try increasing your daily intake using natural sources of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains. If you still cannot get enough fiber, talk to your doctor about a fiber supplement.
Reduce Diary and Gluten
You can also limit dairy products and things like gluten, as these could be triggering your IBS symptoms. Even if you don't have Celiac disease or aren't entirely lactose intolerant, most people have some degree of difficulty digesting either one or the other. Limiting your consumption can be an effective lifestyle change that doesn't require too much effort, as plenty of substitutes are available today.
Adopt a Low FODMAP Diet
A low FODMAP diet helps reduce or eliminate carbohydrates that are the most difficult to digest. You'll want to keep a food diary during this process, as everyone has different intolerances. However, this is often a great temporary cure for IBS, as it allows you to identify food intolerance and gives you more control over handling triggers. It's important to understand, though, that symptoms may come back if you reintroduce triggers.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is an important part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. This can help keep your intestinal tract well-lubricated, which reduces the risk of constipation and any associated pain or discomfort. Aim for about eight 8-ounce glasses daily, more if you're exercising or in hot climates. If you have any questions about hydration, talk to your doctor.
Focus on Mental Health
Exercise is another excellent tool to help manage your IBS, as it can fight the effects of anxiety and depression. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly—about 30 minutes daily, five days a week. You can also incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to reduce stress and help keep a positive outlook. Finally, ensure you get a good night's sleep, as this is one of the most effective de-stressors available. If you're struggling with your mental health, ask your doctor for recommendations for a mental health professional.
Medications
If all else fails, there are a few different medications that can help you manage your IBS. These can be things such as antidepressants, medications to help with intestinal spasms, or medication for constipation and diarrhea. Your doctor will determine which options are best based on your circumstances.
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