Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

We feel upset for a variety of causes, and our behaviour is unpredictable; our bowels can also become irritated and painful. In addition to pain and dysfunctional bowel movements (constipation or diarrhoea), we may also experience nausea, abdominal bloating, a lack of appetite, weight loss, exhaustion, or bloody or mucusy stools. These symptoms, often known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), are well-known to many people.

IBS continues to be the most prevalent digestive issue gastroenterologists encounter, despite the fact that many people with the condition put up with it without seeking medical attention, reasoning that they should “live with it because that is how their body is.” IBS is not life-threatening, but the uncomfortable symptoms and awkward circumstances that go along with it have a significant influence on people’s social and professional lives.

IBS is extremely widespread in India. Women appear to be three times more at risk, for whatever reason. We’ve recently seen a lot of young individuals with IBS. According to some estimates, IBS affects more than 10% of the population of the nation. It is not surprising that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has become increasingly common given the rise in the number of frequent travellers, workaholics, those who eat fast food, and people who “eat what they get when they get it. Yet, IBS need not be brought on exclusively by irregular eating habits. Stress and a flare-up of a stomach ailment might also set it off.

It’s crucial to remember that IBS differs greatly from the condition of inflammatory bowel disease, which has a similar name (IBD).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Types

IBS has four subtypes, all of which are equally prevalent:

• Mainly diarrhoea and soreness in the abdomen (IBS-D).
• Constipation and stomach pain are the main symptoms (IBS-C).
• stomach pain alternating with loose stools and constipation (IBS-mixed).
• IBS-U, undefined subtype; symptoms vary.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

The most common symptom of IBS is stomach pain or discomfort caused by a change in bowel movements. IBS patients may use several adjectives to describe their abdominal pain, including burning, cramping, bloating, distention, and distention with distention. Certain foods, the hours after a meal, emotional stress, constipation, or diarrhoea may cause discomfort to start. 

Other symptoms include:

• Mucus in the stool.
• Urgency.

Moreover, IBS sufferers may encounter symptoms not connected to the intestines, such as:

• Migraine headaches.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Anxiety or depression.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Chronic pelvic pain.

Some IBS sufferers can manage their symptoms rather effectively and carry on with their daily activities. Others discover that their symptoms hinder them from living a full quality of life, including engaging in key activities like going to work.

Stress is frequently linked to the start of symptoms, and when the stress is gone, the symptoms go better. Some patients may go through sporadic IBS symptoms with no clear triggers. Others may experience lengthy symptomatic spells followed by equally lengthy symptom-free spells.

IBS Diagnosis

IBS is diagnosed by a doctor simply based on the existence of particular symptoms and the patient’s clinical background. The signs of IBS diagnosis have been clarified by international research groups. IBS cannot currently be diagnosed using laboratory or imaging techniques. A skilled and knowledgeable gastroenterologist can differentiate between the typical IBS symptoms and other signs that might call for testing to rule out other illnesses.

Physical Exam and Blood Test

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed by a doctor simply based on the existence of particular symptoms and the patient’s clinical background. The signs of IBS diagnosis have been clarified by international research groups. IBS cannot currently be diagnosed using laboratory or imaging techniques. A skilled and knowledgeable gastroenterologist can differentiate between the typical IBS symptoms and other signs that might call for testing to rule out other illnesses.

• The onset of symptoms in someone who is more than 50 years of age.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Anaemia (low iron).
• Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Pain or other symptoms that awaken you in the middle of the night.

If you have both IBS symptoms and a red flag symptom, you probably require a deeper look into the matter. Depending on your symptoms, you might need additional tests.