Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the digestive system and can cause severe diarrhea, constipation or a mixture of both. The syndrome, broadly defined, consists of a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together and can vary in severity and duration. IBS is a chronic condition that has a significant impact on a person's quality of life. People suffering from the disease commonly have to make changes to their day-to-day activities and dietary habits to battle the disease. The chronic condition has no known cure but the symptoms can be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle and stress.

As April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and some available treatments for managing the syndrome.

Signs & Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms weekly for 3 months to 6 months then you may have IBS. It is highly recommended that you visit your healthcare provider for further assistance if you suspect that you might have IBS. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramp
• Bloating or increased gas
• Mucus in stool
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Visit a Gastroenterologistimmediately if you are experiencing serious symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea at night, fever, rectal bleeding, nausea or vomiting, persistent pain in bowel movement and anemia.

Causes

According to experts, there is no actual cause of IBS but there are several things that can trigger IBS symptoms. These include certain foods, medicines, the presence of abdominal gas and emotional stress. The key is to learn what triggers you so that you can learn to avoid or manage them through lifestyle modifications and medication.the condition is more commonly found in women than men and it worsened while women are menstruating.

Diagnosis

An early diagnosis is imperative to avoid serious consequences. The doctor will do a general examination, review your symptoms and medical history and then recommend some tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests include blood tests, stool tests, and X-rays or CT scans to check any infection in the intestines.

Treatment

There is no single magic cure for IBS as the condition varies from person to person. If the symptoms are mild, doctors usually recommend management through lifestyle modifications such as managing stress and making changes in your diet. Here are some tips to help ease IBS symptoms: 

• Eat foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and nuts
• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid foods that produce bloating or gas
• Take probiotics to help relieve gas and bloating
• Eat small and more frequent meals
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Increase physical activity
• Manage stress well
• Get enough sleep

Conclusion

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic disease with symptoms that tend to come and go. Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes should be the first choice to control and manage the symptoms of IBS. If the symptoms don’t respond to lifestyle changes, a doctor can prescribe medication proven to help in difficult cases.