Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common Functional GI Disorder (FGIDs). It can affect people of any age, but is most common to the 30-50 age range. Some people use the phrases “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” (IBS) and “Inflammatory Bowel Disease” (IBD) interchangeably. Although they may sound similar, the two are quite different.
About
While IBS is certainly unpleasant, it’s not a disease. In fact, it’s actually a group of symptoms that occur together. IBD, on the other hand, is a far more serious condition. IBS is diagnosed when a person has had abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 times a month for the last 3 months and there is no evidence of other complications that would account for the pain. The pain or discomfort of IBS may occur with a change in stool frequency or consistency or be relieved by a bowel movement.
FYI
As with other functional GI disorders, the exact causes behind IBS are a mystery. One theory is that people with IBS may have an excess of natural chemicals in the body that produce contractions in the intestines and make them especially sensitive to pain.
If you’re even the slightest bit suspicious about whether you’ve got IBS, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort?
- Do I often feel bloated?
- Am I often constipated?
- Does mucus occasionally come out with my stool?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to one or more of those questions, we recommend you to speak to your healthcare provider right away.
Symptoms
No two people with IBS have exactly the same symptoms. For some, the symptoms are manageable, while for others, they are debilitating. Many of the symptoms of IBS are the same as those of other functional GI disorders. However, there are several things that set IBS apart:
- Pain and discomfort in the abdomen. It can be sharp or dull and may feel like gas or cramping. In most cases, the pain and discomfort will lessen after a bowel movement.
- Changes in bowel habits, most notably a change in the frequency or consistency of your stool. In other words, you could be constipated, have diarrhea, or go back and forth between the two.
- Feeling full after eating very little.
- Feeling that even though you just had a bowel movement, you didn’t get everything out.
- Urgency. You need to find a restroom right now.
In addition, there can be several symptoms that have nothing to do with your intestines:
- Fatigue
- Muscle and/or low-back pain
- Headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
Prevention
Constipation and other digestive problems are no fun, especially for people who suffer from them often. They can cause disruption in your daily life. Fortunately, these diseases are often manageable—and sometimes even preventative—through diet and lifestyle.
There are a number of changes you can make that may relieve your symptoms or at least make them more manageable.
- Eat a diet high in fiber. Avoid fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, dairy products, soda, and caffeine as these foods may make symptoms worse.
- Quit smoking.
- Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medication. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain), or antispasmodics (to control contractions in the colon)
- Reduce your stress levels. Less stress will mean less cramping and less pain.
IBS is a long-term condition and symptoms can change or come and go over time. For that reason, it’s helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms and when they occurred. This may help you and your healthcare provider identify certain behaviors or foods that are making your symptoms worse or causing them to flare up at all.
Diagnosis
Other bowel diseases may have similar symptoms. For that reason, your healthcare provider may order laboratory blood and stool tests, x-rays and endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy), which are usually requested to rule out other diseases. They are not used not to make the diagnosis. These tests are usually normal in patients with IBS.
Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
…about Your GI Condition
- What is the name of my condition?
- How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
- Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
- What complications might I experience?
- Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?
…about Diagnosing Your Conditions
- What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
- Which of them do you recommend and why?
- What does the test involve?
- What are the side effects of each test?
- How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
- How long will the test take?
- Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
- How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
- If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?
…about Your Treatment
- Is there a cure for my condition?
- What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
- What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
- What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
- Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
- How long should it take for the treatment to work?
- Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
- What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
- Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
- Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?
Treatments
Unfortunately, without understanding what causes IBS, it’s impossible to cure, but the following may help:
- Changes in eating, diet, and nutrition
- Medications
- Probiotics
- Therapies for mental health problems
- Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medications. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain), antispasmodics (to control contractions in colon), or approved IBS agents