Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long-term. This condition affects mainly the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Generally, symptoms can be managed with diet, lifestyle, and stress. More severe signs occur in a small number of people, and it is typically treated with medication and counseling.

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS cause is unknown. Factors that appear include:

  • People exposed to stressful events during childhood, tend to have more symptoms.
  • Changes in bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which generally reside in the intestines.
  • Abnormal muscle contractions can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
  • Weak intestinal contractions can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools.
  • Abnormalities in the nerves of your digestive system
  • Severe infection. IBS can develop after severe diarrhea (gastroenteritis) caused by bacteria or a virus.

Triggers
Symptoms of IBS can be triggered by:

  • Food
  • Stress

Risk factors

More likely to have the syndrome if you:

  • Young people.
  • Estrogen therapy before or after menopause
  • Family history of IBS.
  • Anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome treated?

IBS treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Mild symptoms can be controlled by managing stress and by making changes in your diet and lifestyle.

  • Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms
  • Eat high-fiber foods
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages
  • Avoid Gluten.
  • Avoid certain carbohydrates such as fructose, fructans, lactose, and others, certain grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.