“Irritable bowel syndrome” – A condition that causes problems for the digestive system
Irritable bowel syndrome is an abnormal condition related to the functioning of the large intestine that is found in 10-20% of the global population. Women are twice as likely to develop this disease compared to men. Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are not as severe as other diseases, it can be cured with adjustments to behaviors and medication. Even though this disease is not severe, it may affect daily life.
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder of the intestines which causes excessive intestinal contractions, resulting in symptoms that affect patients’ quality of life. It usually occurs from a young age to middle age and is more common in women than men. The main symptoms of IBS include chronic abdominal pain or bloating, related to changes in bowel movements that cannot otherwise be explained.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a severe or malignant disease. However, the exact cause of this disease is still unclear. It is hypothesized that it may be caused by:
1. Abnormal intestinal contractions or spasms, causing excessive and irregular squeezing of the intestines
2. Food sensitivity or poor digestion of certain foods, a common cause that may be revealed through food journals
3. Overly sensitive intestines without any disease or abnormal contractions
4. Stress or psychological conditions, as anxiety causes increased intestinal sensitivity and pain
5. Infections in the digestive tract and other types of infections. Symptoms often appear after infections like typhoid fever or food poisoning bacteria, though the mechanism behind this is still uncertain.
6. Usage of certain medications
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
IBS symptoms usually occur at a young age, more commonly in women. Symptoms include:
1. Abnormal changes in bowel movements compared to previous patterns. This distinct trait may aid in diagnosing the disease, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both. This disease may be more diarrhea-predominant (diarrhea-predominant IBS) or constipationpredominant (constipation-dominant IBS).
2. Diarrhea often occurs during the daytime or work hours, typically in the morning or after meals. Symptoms often include urgent needs to use the bathroom, feelings of incomplete evacuation, and about half of patients pass mucus when having a bowel movement.
3. Constipation may persist for days or months at a time. Stools appear hard and pellet-like. Some people feel like they have not fully evacuated, necessitating straining or longer periods sitting on the toilet without relief, requiring laxatives or frequent enemas.
4. Abdominal pain at least once a week over 3 months, often cramping or tense sensations. Pain often occurs in the lower left abdomen but may manifest in other areas, with differing intensities and locations between individuals. Some people experience worsened pain with stress or certain foods. Pain may increase during menstruation or improve with bowel movements for some people.
5. Other digestive tract symptoms like alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, excessive gas, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, early satiety, or nausea.
6. Other non-digestive symptoms like frequent urination, menstrual cramps, or sexual problems.
Initial Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Abdominal Pain
As we now know, this disease is not as frightening as it may seem. It can occur sporadically but there are ways to completely cure it. The simplest treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is
to not hold in bowel movements.
When feeling pain, immediately go to the bathroom to help relieve cramping and tension. After that, adjust some behaviors as follows:
1. Drink sufficient water for bodily needs
2. Avoid foods that cause allergic reactions or are difficult to digest, like meats, fried foods, certain vegetables, etc.
3. Get 8 hours of sleep nightly
4. Exercise regularly to improve intestinal functioning
5. Take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Since IBS symptoms and severity differ between individuals, medications are prescribed based on symptoms. Follow-up appointments should assess progress.
The key point is that IBS is a manageable condition through proper diet, lifestyle adjustments as advised by your doctor. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms occur, it is important not to neglect them. See a doctor for diagnosis and correct treatment so you can return to your normal daily life
