CONDITIONS
Gastroenterology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the overall health and function of the digestive system, particularly bowel habits. Also known as spastic colon, the condition is characterised by bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhoea. In rare, severe cases, the condition can also cause damage to the intestines. IBS can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life if left untreated. The disease can leave you feeling uncomfortable and lethargic, especially after eating certain foods.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by several factors, but a direct cause is not known. The food you eat, the sensitivity of your bowels and even chemical imbalances can affect IBS. In some cases, IBS symptoms are a result of irregular muscle contractions in the intestines. These contractions affect the build-up of gas in the colon if they are too strong and cause diarrhoea if they are too weak. Infections, inflammation, bacteria in the gut and stress can also lead symptoms of IBS.
What are the related symptoms?
Irritable bowel syndrome causes general abdominal discomfort that can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, excess gas, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms may present themselves after eating certain foods and ease after passing gas or stools as well. In severe cases, IBS could lead to rectal bleeding, weight loss, anaemia and chronic abdominal pain.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
Irritable bowel syndrome cannot be diagnosed with a medical test. Instead, your physician will assess your medical history and symptoms to identify the condition and suggest treatment. This process may involve other tests such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy, to rule out possible underlying diseases in your colon or stomach. Your doctor will consider your symptoms to identify whether you have diarrhoea-predominant, constipation-predominant or mixed IBS.
How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?
For mild cases of IBS, your doctor will likely suggest dietary changes to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. This could include eliminating or reducing your dairy, gluten and processed food intake. You may also need to drink more water and add more fibre to your diet too. Severe cases of IBS, however, can be improved with medications designed to help correct irregular muscle contractions in the bowels. Your doctor may also suggest probiotics or other supplements that can improve the bacterial health of your digestive system. Irritable bowel syndrome is not curable, but treatment can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
