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Life isn't always predictable, and neither is your gut when you are living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). One moment, you are fine; the next, you are struggling with cramps or rushing to locate the closest restroom. IBS doesn't follow rules, but that doesn't mean you can't take control. With the right strategy, starting from understanding your IBS symptoms, modifying your lifestyle, and seeking proper medical aid, you can manage IBS instead of letting it control you.
Want to know more about IBS? Keep reading. This blog covers everything related to irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional disorders affecting the stomach and intestines, also known as the gastrointestinal tract system. People with this condition suffer from irregular bowel activity. It is a long-term condition that interferes with gut function, even though visible structural impairment or illness is absent.
People with IBS often experience irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, and bloating, which are the most common IBS symptoms. If not adequately managed, irritable bowel syndrome can significantly impair your quality of life.
Is IBS Dangerous?
IBS can cause frequent digestive issues and irregular bowel movements, which can vary from person to person. While it's not life-threatening, it can impact your daily life and overall well-being. If left untreated, symptoms might become chronic and lead to discomfort, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies. Effective IBS treatment and lifestyle management can help you live a completely normal everyday life.
Common IBS Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore!
Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms differ from person to person, but are often present for a long time. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- Changes in the stool appearance
- Changes in stool passing
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Excess gas issues
What Causes IBS?
The precise cause of IBS isn't understood. Here are the factors that contribute to the development of irritable bowel syndrome:
- Intestinal muscle contractions: The intestines' walls are lined with muscle layers that contract as they move food through the digestive tract. Stronger contractions might lead to issues like gas, bloating and diarrhoea, whereas weak contractions can delay food passage, causing hard and dry stools.
- Nervous system: Nerve issues in the digestive system can cause discomfort when the abdominal area is stretched by gas or stool. Due to poor coordination between the brain and the intestines, the body overreacts to shifts in the digestive process, causing constipation, diarrhoea, and pain.
- Severe infection: Irritable bowel disease, or gastroenteritis, can occur following a severe diarrhoea attack caused by a virus or bacteria. IBS is also linked to excessive intestinal bacteria or bacterial overgrowth.
- Early-life stress: Individuals prone to stressful occurrences, mainly in childhood, tend to experience more irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
- Gut microbe changes: involve variations in bacteria, viruses, and fungi that naturally live in the intestines and play a primary role in maintaining health. As per studies, people with IBS have different microbes than those who don't have this condition.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Triggers
Here is how the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms are triggered:
- Food: The connection between food allergies or intolerances and IBS is still unclear. Generally, food allergies are considered to have a low chance of causing IBS. However, consuming certain foods like wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, and cabbage, or drinking specific liquids such as milk and carbonated beverages, can increase the chances of triggering IBS symptoms.
- Stress: According to health experts, people who experience high levels of daily stress are more prone to symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, it's essential to understand that stress alone doesn't cause IBS; it can only worsen the symptoms, not trigger the condition itself.
Who is at Risk of IBS?
Many people occasionally experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the chances of developing this functional disorder increase when you:
- Are Young: IBS is more common in individuals under 50
- Are Women: Research has shown that IBS is more prevalent in women than in men. Estrogen therapy, both before and after menopause, is also considered a risk factor for IBS.
- Have a Family History of IBS: Genetics play a significant role in developing conditions like IBS. People with a family history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms or high-stress lifestyles are at greater risk. It often results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Have Mental Health Issues: People suffering from mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, mainly due to sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, are also at higher risk of developing IBS.
IBS Complications: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Symptoms
Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) does not usually lead to serious physical health problems, it can cause various complications and significantly affect quality of life. Here are some complications that may arise due to IBS:
- Haemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: Due to chronic constipation and diarrhoea, the risk of haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus and rectum) and anal fissures (small tears in the anus) increases.
- Rectal Prolapse: Chronic constipation can cause rectal prolapse in severe cases.
- Faecal Impaction: It becomes difficult to pass the stool and needs medical intervention.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Dietary restrictions to address IBS can sometimes lead to deficiencies in crucial nutrients.
- Dehydration: Chronic diarrhoea leads to dehydration when there is inadequate fluid intake.
- Malnutrition: Refraining from certain foods that trigger IBS symptoms can lead to an inadequate intake of nutrients and may affect weight and overall health.
- Anxiety and Depression: The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can lead to anxiety and depression, forming a vicious cycle.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can substantially affect regular activities, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
- Workplace Productivity: Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms might cause delays in workdays and lower productivity.
When to See a Doctor?
It is crucial to consult a health expert if you are experiencing consistent changes in bowel patterns or other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. It might indicate a serious condition, and you need to keep a tab on these worsening symptoms:
- Losing weight fast
- Diarrhoea at night
- Vomiting
- Iron deficiency
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe pain even after passing gas or stool
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis
There’s no single test for IBS diagnosis, but health experts use multiple approaches to identify Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and rule out other diseases before starting IBS treatment. Health experts generally rely on two types of criteria to diagnose IBS:
Rome Criteria: This includes abdominal pain or discomfort the patient has experienced at least once a week for the past 3 months. This pain or discomfort is related to bowel movements, where doctors assess changes in stool frequency and consistency to help confirm the diagnosis.
Types of IBS: For the diagnosis and treatment of IBS, it is classified into four types based on symptoms:
- Constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
- Diarrhoea-predominant (IBS-D)
- Mixed type (IBS-M)
- Unclassified
If a patient continues to experience regular IBS symptoms and there is no improvement after initial IBS treatment, then further tests may be required.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure examines the entire length of the colon with a camera attached to a small, flexible tube.
- CT scan: It helps create images of the abdomen and pelvis, which assist in ruling out other causes of symptoms, especially if the abdominal pain is consistent.
- Lactose intolerance tests: When an individual does not produce lactase, they may experience symptoms similar to those of IBS, including abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhoea. A healthcare expert may perform a breath test or ask the patient to avoid drinking milk and to remove milk products from their diet for a few weeks.
- Stool tests: A health expert will suggest a stool test to examine bacteria, parasites, or bile acids. Stool tests can also help determine whether the intestines are having trouble absorbing nutrients.
Effective Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
IBS treatment emphasises addressing symptoms because there's no permanent cure. Treatment differs depending on the type of IBS, and it usually involves:
Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
These are usually the first steps in addressing the symptoms of IBS :
- Increase fibre intake (especially for IBS-C): Soluble fibre (like psyllium husk)
- Avoid trigger foods: Common triggers include:
- Fatty or fried foods
- Dairy products
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
- Follow a low FODMAP diet: FODMAPS are carbohydrates that can worsen IBS symptoms. A dietitian can help guide this.
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals
- Stay hydrated: This is most important for IBS patients.
- Exercise regularly: It helps regulate bowel movements and reduce stress.
Medications
Depending on the IBS type and severity, doctors may prescribe:
For IBS-C (Constipation-predominant):
- Laxatives (e.g., polyethene glycol)
- Fiber supplements
- Prescription meds: like lubiprostone or linaclotide
For IBS-D (Diarrhoea-predominant):
- Antidiarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide)
- Bile acid binders
- Eluxadoline or rifaximin (for more severe cases)
For Pain & Cramps
- Antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine)
- Low-dose antidepressants (TCAS or SSRIs), which help with both pain and gut sensitivity
Stress Management & Mental Health
Since stress plays a significant role in triggering or aggravating Irritable bowel syndrome, psychological therapies can be helpful:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness & meditation
- Counselling
Natural Remedies & Home Care for IBS Relief
Although medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments are key for managing IBS symptoms, many individuals discover relief through simple, natural remedies they can use at home. These methods can alleviate bloating, cramps, and digestive discomfort, contributing to a more comfortable daily life.
Peppermint Oil Capsules
Peppermint oil is a widely researched natural remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It contains menthol, which helps relax intestinal muscles and alleviates painful cramping.
- How to use: Take enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules as your doctor recommends. Usually, 1-2 capsules before meals relieve abdominal pain and bloating.
- Pro tip: Avoid peppermint oil if you have acid reflux, as it can intensify heartburn.
Probiotics and Fermented Foods
A healthy gut microbiome is crucial in alleviating Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, can support gut flora balance, enhance digestion, and reduce bloating and diarrhoea.
- Sources: Yoghurt,Pro tipkefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and various fermented vegetables, along with probiotic supplements.
- : Begin with small doses to observe your body's response, then gradually raise your intake.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are gentle on the digestive system and can naturally soothe discomfort. Ginger tea helps decrease nausea, gas, and inflammation, while chamomile tea relaxes intestinal spasms and lessens bloating.
- How to use: Consume 1-2 cups daily, ideally after meals. Pair with deep breathing or meditation to enhance stress relief.
Heat Packs for Abdominal Pain
Applying gentle heat to your abdomen can help relax your intestinal muscles and ease those uncomfortable cramps.
- How to use: Apply a warm heating pad or hot water bottle to your stomach for 10–15 minutes. You can also include gentle stretching or yoga poses to help ease tension and discomfort.
Fuel Your Gut with the Best!
Irritable bowel syndrome isn't a life-threatening condition, but it can seriously affect your quality of life and your wallet. Over time, managing this condition involves numerous doctor visits, dietary consultations, lab tests, prescription medications, and even mental health support like therapy. These costs keep increasing quickly, especially if symptoms become chronic or unpredictable. But do not worry because a comprehensive health insurance policy covers you. Health insurance doesn't just protect you from the "big stress"; it entrusts you to be farsighted, consistent, and stress-free in your IBS care routine.
Remember, when it comes to IBS, it's not about hounding a cure; it's about forming a life where symptoms no longer control your day. Invest in your health, ask the right questions, and give your gut the support it deserves.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
