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Irritable Bowel Syndrome [ IBS] – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnostic & Treatments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – There are different kinds of diseases in the world. Some are permanent, while some can be treated with just a small medication. 

For example, a headache can be treated with a small medicine. On the other hand, a disease like cancer may never go away or take a lot of your time to treat. 

Apart from that, there are some conditions that are not very serious, and there is no permanent treatment available for them. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of those conditions. Let’s take a look at what is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and what you can do to treat it.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) He’s a condition related to your stomach and bowel. It is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, and mucous colitis. 

In this condition, your bowel movement is not regular and normal. Sometimes, you get diarrhea, and sometimes you get constipation.

As per the statistics, The United States recorded more than 200,000 cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It can also cause cramping, pain, and bloating in your stomach.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Is not related to inflammatory bowel disease. You should not mix them; these two are different conditions and require different treatment and diagnoses.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Let’s talk about all the symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Different people might get different combinations of these symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many people who are struggling with IBS get diarrhea on a regular basis. They lose most of their digestion power, and anytime they eat heavy food, they get diarrhea. In some cases, people may get diarrhea even without eating any heavy food.

It is also one of the most common symptoms in women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). On the other hand, men do not get diarrhea often.

Constipation

After diarrhea, constipation is the second most common symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you are having a hard time passing stool or you have less than four bowel movements per week, this clearly indicates that you have constipation, and it could be due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Abdominal Pain

After diarrhea and costly patients, abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many people have abdominal pain along with constipation or diarrhea. 

You may experience constant cramping after eating your meal, and by the time you have a bowel movement, it gets lower. If you are having constipation and abdominal pain at the same time, there is a high chance that you might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Bloating and Gas

Many people do not get diarrhea or constipation, But they get bloating and gas. If you often feel bloated and you constantly have gas, this could mean that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Bloating can cause tightness, and due to that, you might feel full. Bloating may also look like your abdominal has swollen. On the other hand, some food items such as beans, high-fat foods, deep-fried foods, or any milk product can cause you gas. 

Some Mental Issues

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is known to cause tiredness, depression, and anxiety in many people. Wild headaches and constant need to pee are some of the few common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Generally, you don’t have to call your doctor when you get any of these symptoms, but sometimes abdominal pain may get severe, and you have to consult with your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medications.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes

Let’s take a look at all the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Even though there are many ways which can cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), one of the most common causes is that people get sensitive colon.

Family History

Just like any other disease in the world, if any of your family members have a history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), there are high chances that you might also get it.

It is also one of the most popular causes in the United States. Many people get Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from their families, and they later pass it to their own children.

Food Sensitivity

Due to various factors, food sensitivity is increasing at a rapid speed. A few decades ago, there were hardly any people who were allergic to certain foods.

 Nowadays, there are many people who are sensitive to many food items. For example, people cannot digest beans, corn, dairy products, etc.

If anyone is sensitive to certain food items and they keep eating, it might cause them Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

Other Medications

Many people get Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to other medical conditions and medication. For example, many antibiotics, antidepressants, and drugs made with sorbitol are known to cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Gender

As you are already aware, there are twice as many women as men that have the condition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Researchers haven’t had any success finding the cause of women with more IBS than men.

There are many experts who think that during the menstrual cycle, women face many changes in their hormones, which can cause IBS.

Muscle Contraction 

Even though it is not one of the most popular causes, many times, you may get Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to muscle contractions during the intense time.

These contractions are stronger and last longer than any other normal contraction. Apart from that, it can also cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diagnosis

As we have already learned about the causes and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Let’s take a look at the diagnosis.

At Home Diagnosis

One of the most common diagnoses of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an at-home diagnosis. Studies have found a clear relationship between stress and IBS. There are many studies that have concluded that stress can cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

If any situation causes you stress and any symptom related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as gas and bloating, this clearly indicates that you have IBS.

Apart from that, many times, foods such as beans can also cause IBS. If you are not able to digest any dairy product, it means that you’re lactose intolerant and you have poor dietary habits. It is a clear indication of IBS.

Physical Exam

Your doctor might be able to diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) during your regular physical exam as you might be already aware that there is no direct diagnosis available that can detect IBS.

So your doctor might ask you all of the above-given symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and conclude that you have IBS or just a regular infection.

Additional Tests

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) does not require any additional tests than just a physical exam, but sometimes the symptoms get very serious, and doctors might have to perform additional tests.

Your doctor might use colonoscopy, excellent and upper endoscopy. These three tests are different and Come out with different results. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment

Look at all the possible treatment options available to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). As you already know, there is no direct diagnosis available for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); similarly, there is no single formula to treat it.

Dietary Changes

Usually, doctors will ask you to make a few basic changes in your diet and activities to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These changes will help you improve the symptoms.

For example, a doctor might ask you to avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. Apart from that, you should add dietary fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

You should drink at least four glasses of water per day and try to stay away from smoke and any dairy products such as milk, cheese, etc.

Lifestyle Changes

Apart from your dietary changes, your doctor might ask you to make a few lifestyle changes in order to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many people get Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) then they feel stressed.

That is why doctors suggest everyone have a good lifestyle, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, And try to take as little stress as possible.

Medications

Usually, you do not require any medications, but in order to lower the symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, your doctor might recommend you a few medications.

Linzess, probiotics, and PEG is a few examples of medications doctors use to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

Takeaways

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Is a very common disease in the United States. The country recorded more than 200,000 cases each year of IBS.

Usually, people get common symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. IBS can be triggered by many external and internal factors such as food items and stress.

Usually, it does not cause any complications, but severe IBS can cause malnutrition and pregnancy-related complications.

I do not get bowel movements on a daily basis. Do I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

It is perfectly normal not to get bowel movements on a daily basis. If you are getting four or more bowel movements every week, this means you are completely normal.

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) cause pregnancy-related problems?

No, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can not cause pregnancy-related problems.