Symptoms & Diagnosis:
Table of Contents
Irritable Bowel Syndrome/ Disease (IBS) is a common disease affecting larger intestines. It’s a chronic condition and has to be managed long term basis. It’s one of the diseases which is increasing with the rise in the stress level in our lifestyles. 3-20% of population nowadays is suffering from IBS.
Do I have IBS?
- Abdominal pain/ cramps
- Bloating/ Excessive Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mucus in stool
What causes IBS?
The main cause is still unknown, many theories have been proposed:
- Irregular muscle contraction
- Abnormal neural transmission between brain & intestines
- Local inflammation of intestines
- Severe infection of intestines
- Changes in normal gut flora
Risk factors of IBS:
- Age <50 years
- Females > Males
- Aggravated during menstruation
Family history of mental disease like anxiety/ depression/ mental abuse
What are the Trigger factors?
- Food
- Stress
- Hormones
- Mental diseases
When should you visit a doctor?
Warning Signs:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea in night
- Rectal bleed
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Persistent pain not getting relieved by passing gas/ bowel movement
Complications of IBS?
- Chronic constipation
- Diarrhea
- Poor quality of life
- Mood disorders
IBS is a NON CARCINOGENIC condition.
How to diagnose IBS?
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Barium Swallow
Few more test:
- Lactose Intolerance Test
- Bacterial test for overgrowth
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Stool Test to R/O bacterial or parasitic infection
What’s the treatment?
There’s No Cure only management for IBS.
The treatment of IBS is mostly based on stopping the symptoms and therapies:
- Symptomatic Treatment
- Counseling
- Stress reduction therapy
- Relaxation technique
- Mindfulness training
More on IBS my next post: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Treatment & Irritable Bowel Disease & Mental Health.
Be Healthy & Be Happy
Disclaimer: This article is for reference purposes only, under no circumstances it should be used as a replacement of medical opinion by Professionals. Any decision regarding health and health care should be taken after professional advice only. Health care advice and information shared by the author are best to her knowledge. We disclaim all responsibilities for any inadvertent omission/ commission by the author or the website.
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064
- https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome#what-is-ibs
- https://www.ics.org/glossary/diagnosis/irritablebowelsyndromeibsfunctionalnoninflammatory?gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj8KmkeNwQV_4cWkqVr-0hgO4y5PEF1WTmQ56H-5QEZfJOcw4t_Ee9caArvrEALw_wcB
That’s a major concern to so many of us, but also a matter of embarrassment to some due to which they do not consult a doctor. These points will help us know what signs to look at and when to seek medical help. Thank you for this post!
i’m glad you found my post helpful
IBS is terrible to live with and often goes undiagnosed because people mistake it for heartburn. By the time they think of going to the doc, it has already progressed to an uncomfortable level. Looking forward to your post about treatment options for IBS, Richa!
It took the doctors years to diagnose my IBS and finally did with a colonoscopy. I have learned to live with it for so long I rarely think about it anymore. It has become a normal thing for me to use the bathroom at least six times a day. With that and my small bladder I stay in the bathroom a lot. It isn’t ideal but I have learned to accept my fate as to say LOL.
That’s a great way of dealing with it, i’ll Quote you to inspire people facing similar issues. i’ll be covering the treatment part in my next post.
A friend’s father suffers from IBS for a while now. In fact their family has a history of IBS. He manages it with diet control and avoiding stress. Thanks for sharing this crisp and informative post about this disease, Richa!
From what I have read, food is one of the major reason behind IBS. Thank you for providing so much of detailed information. It can get misdiagnosed so easily. It’s always good to check with a doctor when facing discomfort.