You’ve probably heard of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. But do you know what it is or what causes it? 

Or what can be done about it? Read on to learn more about this familiar yet often misunderstood condition. 

At one time, IBS was thought of as just a minor annoyance. But now, we know IBS is an actual disease. There’s more to IBS than meets the eye, just like several other conditions.

According to the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS affects about 15% of people in Australia). IBS affects as many as 15 percent of the population, making it the most common functional gastrointestinal (FG) disorder. 

In your 20s, you’re more likely to suffer from this ailment than males, which may develop in younger and older adults.

• IBS affects up to 15% of the population and is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder.
• Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and alternating bowel habits.
• Hormonal changes, stress, and specific foods or drinks can trigger IBS symptoms.
• IBS is categorized into three types: IBS-C (constipation-dominant), IBS-D (diarrhea-dominant), and IBS-M (mixed symptoms).
• Treatment includes dietary changes, medications, probiotics, and psychological therapies like CBT and hypnotherapy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term, debilitating condition of the large intestine, particularly the colon. Spastic colon, irritable colon, or spastic colitis are some of the other names for this condition. 

Abdominal pains, bloating, and diarrhea are all symptoms of this condition. But it differs from inflammatory bowel disease and other small and large intestine disorders. 

According to health experts, the exact cause of IBS is still unknown. There are combinations of factors that may cause symptoms of IBS. 

The large intestine part of the colon may be oversensitive because of nerve stimulation. The activity of the colon can lead to abdominal cramps or pain.

Sometimes there is an abnormality in signaling between the Gut and brain, which can cause IBS signs and symptoms. 

Researches tell us that IBS is ubiquitous if close relatives have IBS. 

Certain factors can trigger IBS symptoms, and the symptoms may be severe with these aggravating factors. Keep in mind these factors and try to avoid them if you or your close one have IBS. 

These are the most common triggering factors. 

Some foods like dairy products, chocolate, spicy things, fried foods, and cabbage can trigger IBS. Certain drinks like fizzy drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of IBS.

Females have a higher incidence of this condition than men. During the menstrual period, hormones change lead to the severity of IBS symptoms. 

Stress is another triggering factor of IBS. Commonly, continuous stress and anxiety can cause IBS. 

Our body may trigger IBS after an infection of the intestine. Sometimes during infection, our immune system is activated, which may affect gut movements and the appearance of IBS symptoms. 

Your bad eating habits, like overeating or eating quickly, can cause IBS symptoms. So make your eating habits good and prevent IBS symptoms. 

Researchers and health experts categorize IBS into different types according to other bowel habits in IBS. Some treatments may influence each kind in this group, which is one of the advantages. 

Here are the types of IBS:

The patient suffers dominant symptoms of constipation with abdominal cramps. 

The patient has significant symptoms of diarrhea and other IBS symptoms 

In this type, there is alternating diarrhea with constipation. Sometimes stool is hard, and sometimes it is watery or mucus type. 

Your doctor will complete a physical examination and interview you to determine whether you have IBS. He will ask about your bowel habits, abdominal cramps or pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and other related symptoms. 

Although it is not a diagnostic test, it is done to rule out other health conditions of the intestine. 

Your doctor may recommend colonoscopy to exclude other causes of alternating bowel habits like colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. 

There is no cure for IBS, but with multiple modalities, the symptoms of IBS can be relieved. Your healthcare provider will tell you IBS therapy according to your bowel habits. Sometimes you may need a nutritionist for a better dietary plan to improve IBS symptoms. 

Your doctor may recommend medications to prevent IBS symptoms and lessen the disease severity. Here are the drugs

Your physician may prescribe TCAs for stress and anxiety that alleviate IBS symptoms.

Antispasmodic drugs like Hyoscyamine and dicyclomine are effective in IBS. 

Probiotics have a good role in IBS. These can relieve symptoms of IBS like diarrhea, bloating, and cramps.

Loperamide, atropine, plus diphenoxylate are effective in IBS with dominant diarrhea type. 

Your doctor may recommend the following medications for IBS with dominant constipation. Stimulant laxatives, psyllium, lactulose, paraffin liquid, docusate, and sorbitol are effective in constipation. 

IBS symptoms are triggered by stress and anxiety. Your health care physician can recommend specific psychological interventions to prevent IBS. 

These techniques can help with symptoms of IBS and improve quality of life.

It is identifying and challenging negative thoughts and modifying alternative positive thinking patterns.

It is a technique in which a person enters a relaxed state of mind and relaxes body muscles, including abdominal muscles, that help in IBS symptoms. 

IBS can have a considerable negative influence on one’s well-being. Depression or anxiety are common side effects of IBS for many individuals. Like other chronic illnesses, IBS can become a source of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for IBS. Everything you need to know about IBS is included in this article, from the symptoms to the therapies and management.

Constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pains are all common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may last for months or years. 

You can relieve these symptoms with proper dietary habits, lifestyle modifications, psychological therapy, and regular medications. You may enhance your quality of life by following these tips.