What is IBS? Signs, Triggers & Solutions that Work

• Written by Ritika Malik

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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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 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 how the gut functions, even though visible structural impairment or illness is absent.

IBS is identified by frequent digestive distress and inconsistent bowel movements, which might differ for every individual. It is not life-threatening, but it might lead to severe complications affecting an individual's everyday life and overall well-being. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic health problem that usually requires continuous lifestyle changes to address its effects on health and overall life quality.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of IBS 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 lead to distress when the abdominal area is stretched from 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 after a severe diarrhoea attack from 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 symptoms of IBS 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, cabbage, etc., or drinking specific liquids, such as milk and carbonated drinks, like 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.

Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (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. 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.

Complications of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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 limitations to address IBS can sometimes cause deficiencies in crucial nutrients.
• Dehydration: Chronic diarrhoea causes dehydration without proper fluid intake.
• Malnourishment: Refraining from certain foods that cause IBS symptoms can lead to an insufficient intake of nutrients and possibly 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 missed workday delays 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 is currently no definitive test to diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, doctors use the patient's medical history, physical examination, and various tests to rule out other possible conditions. Health experts generally rely on two types of criteria to diagnose IBS:

Rome Criteria: This includes abdominal pain or discomfort that the patient has been experiencing at least once a week for the past three 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 that assist in ruling out other causes of symptoms, especially if abdominal pain is consistent.
• Lactose intolerance tests: When an individual is not producing lactase, they may have issues like those caused by IBS, including abdominal pain, gas and diarrhoea. A healthcare expert may perform a breath test or ask the patient to avoid drinking milk and have milk products in their diet for a few weeks.
• Stool tests: A health expert will suggest a stool test to examine bacteria, parasites, or the presence of bile acid. Stool tests can also help check if the intestines have trouble absorbing nutrients.

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., polyethylene 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

Read More: Inflammatory bowel disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

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.