Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is irritable bowel syndrome ?
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition that presents with tummy pain and problems with bowel opening eg. constipation - not satisfactory bowel movements or diarrhoea- frequent watery bowel movements and still others who have both these symptoms to varying degrees at different times.
Constipation is defined as a stool frequency of less than three per week and diarrhoea is frequent watery stools. Chronic diarrhoea is defined as symptoms for more than four weeks. However, different people have different sort of bowel movements and in our routine practice we take a detailed history to look at the symptoms according to any change that a patient may have felt.
What are the symptoms of IBS ?
Symptoms include :
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Cramp like tummy pain that may or may not be related to a bowel moment
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Diarrhoea
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Bloating
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Gas
Tests for IBS
There is no specific test but history from patient and running a few tests to make sure there is no other problem is important. Many other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms hence it is important to go through these tests.
Treatment for IBS
Simple self monitoring and general measures
- Food diary to keep track of what was eaten each day and made one feel worse. In this way it could be figured out whether certain foods are making symptoms better or worse
- Not to eat foods that maybe making symptoms worse. One could start by giving up foods that causes ‘gas’ or giving up milk and its products for at least two weeks to notice a desirable effect eat more fibre especially if one has constipation eating more fruits and vegetables helps but be aware as more fiber can sometimes worsen the symptoms.
- Exercise for at least 20 to 60 minutes minimum 3 days a week as it has been proven that IBS improves with exercise
Medicines can reduce but may not cure all symptoms. Antispasmodics, antibiotics and antidepressants (much lower dose as compared to treatment for depression) are used routinely.
Counselling also helps as it reduces stress and worry which are known to make IBS worse.
Long term life of affected patients
Many people with IBS have continuing symptoms long-term but most find ways to improve their symptoms and the key is help your doctor to help you.
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