WHAT IS IBS? WHAT CAUSES IBS?
Feb 05, 2022
WHAT IS IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
IBS is defined by abdominal discomfort or pain, as well as problems with bowel habits: either going more or less often than usual (diarrhoea or constipation), or having a particular kind of stool (thin, hard, or soft and liquid). Doctors used to call to IBS by different names, such as:
- IBS colitis.
- Mucous colitis.
- Spastic colon.
- Nervous colon.
- Spastic bowel.
The disorder is classified into four types:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
- IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
- Mixed IBS (IBS-M) alternates between constipation and diarrhoea
- Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U) for individuals who don't fit into the above categories
IBS is not lethal, and it does not increase your risk of developing other colon disorders such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer. However, it may be a long-term issue that affects how you live your life. People suffering from IBS may miss work or school more commonly, and they may feel less able to participate in regular activities. Some people may need to adjust their work environment, such as working from home, changing their hours, or perhaps not working at all.
HOW IS IBS DIAGNOSED?
45 million people in the United States alone struggle with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Even though IBS is common, it’s also extremely misunderstood. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and change over time, even day to to day. Here are the most common symptoms of IBS:
➡️ Abdominal pain and discomfort
➡️ Diarrhea, constipation, or both
➡️ Gas, bloating, or urgenc
Many people with IBS are stigmatized or brushed off by their doctors for having symptoms that are all in their heads. If you are one of these people, you are not alone. About 20% - 40% of visits to gastroenterologists are for IBS. And 2 out of 3 people affected are women
Plus, the good news is that we have excellent success with naturopathic and functional medicine therapies for IBS! Healing with natural remedy for leaky gut is a high priority for all of our patients, so we have many strategies in our toolbox. Here are some things we consider when trying to get to the bottom of IBS symptoms:
➡️ Food allergies or sensitivities (including gluten)
➡️ History of food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection (this could be post-infectious IBS)
➡️ Microbiome imbalance (including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO)
➡️ Stress (the gut-brain connection is real)
➡️ Histamine (which can cause visceral hypersensitivity to pain)
➡️ Hormones (because women tend to get IBS more than men, hormones can play a role
IBS SYMPTOMS
IBS symptoms generally include:
- cramping.
- abdominal discomfort.
- Gas and bloating
- constipation.
- diarrhoea.
It is normal for people with IBS to have both constipation and diarrhoea. Symptoms such as bloating and gas usually subside following a bowel movement.
IBS symptoms are not always persistent. They can resolve only to come back. Some people, however, experience ongoing symptoms. Learn more about IBS symptoms.
IBS SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
Women may experience symptoms around periods, or they may experience additional symptoms during this time. Menopausal women have less symptoms than menstrual women. Some symptoms have also been found to worsen in some women during pregnancy.
IBS SYMPTOMS IN MEN
The symptoms of IBS in males are the same as those in women. Men, on the other hand, are far less likely to disclose their symptoms and seek therapy.
RED FLAG SYMPTOMS OF IBS
RECTAL BLEEDING
It might just be a side effect of your IBS constipation, caused by a rip in your anus. The bleeding also might be actually caused by a hemorrhoid. However, if you have a lot of blood in your stool or if the bleeding won't stop, you should seek medical assistance right away.
WEIGHT LOSS
If you find yourself losing weight for no obvious cause, it's time to seek medical help.
FEVER, VOMITING, AND ANAEMIA
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, or think that you do, you should consult your doctor.
HOW TO TREAT IBS?
HOW DO DOCTORS TREAT IBS?
Doctors may propose dietary adjustments and other lifestyle changes, medications, probiotics, and mental health therapy to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You may need to try some few treatments to find out which ones work best for you. Your doctor can help determine the best treatment strategy for you.
LIFE STYLE AND DIET CHANGES
Changes in your diet may help in the treatment of your symptoms. Your doctor may advise you to attempt one of the following changes:
- Consume more fibre.
- avoid gluten.
- follow a particularly unique eating plan called the low FODMAP diet.
Studies suggest that other lifestyle modifications may help IBS symptoms, including:
- increasing your exercise levels
- limiting stressful life circumstances as much as possible.
- getting adequate sleep
If you’d like to know more;
Mental health books - Gut health books - Holistic medicine books - Liver health books
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- HOW TO TREAT IBS?
- SYMPTOMS OF IBS
- IBS SYMPTOMS
- WHAT IS IBS?
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