Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of digestive problems, some of which can be uncomfortable. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include bowel issues, including constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Having IBS, on the other hand, won't hurt your digestive system or make you more likely to get colon cancer. You can often control symptoms by changing one's diet and lifestyle.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Digestive issues are the focus of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It's a frequent problem with one's digestive system, but it may be unpleasant. People with IBS have too many bacteria in their intestines, which leads to bloating, stomach pain, and cramping.
Common Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms
Some people are more seriously affected by the symptoms of IBS than others are. Stress and certain foods have been linked to a worsening of symptoms. For some people, relieving IBS symptoms means a trip to the bathroom and a good bowel movement.
The following are the most common IBS symptoms:
- Stomach cramps or soreness – usually worst after eating and better after urinating
- Bloating – your stomach may feel too bloated and bulging.
- Diarrhea – You may have watery poop and may need to poop quickly.
- Constipation – you may strain when pooing and feel you cannot empty your bowels.
There may be days when your symptoms improve or deteriorate (flare-ups). They could be brought on by food or drink.
Other Symptoms of IBS
IBS can also result in the following:
- Farting (flatulence)
- Discharging mucous from your lower abdomen
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Feeling ill (nausea)
- Backache
- Peeing issues, such as the need to pee frequently, unexpected desires to pee, and the impression that you cannot empty your bladder
- Being unable to control when you poop (bowel incontinence)
Causes of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome has an unknown origin. Several factors seem to play an impact, including:
- Muscle spasms in the intestine. The walls of the intestines are made up of layers of muscle that contract to move food along the digestive tract. Gas, bloating, and diarrhea can be brought on by stronger contractions that continue longer than usual. Food impaction due to weak contractions might cause dry, firm stools.
- Nervous system. If you have nerve problems in your digestive tract, you might feel pain whenever gas or feces force your abdomen to expand. Miscommunication between the brain and the intestines may cause an overreaction to normal digestive fluctuations. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, loose or painful stools, or both.
- Severe infection. An infection could cause IBS with bacteria or a virus that leads to severe diarrhea. We have a name for this condition: gastroenteritis. An overabundance of bacteria in the gut has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (bacterial overgrowth).
- The strains of a difficult start in early life. People who have been through trauma, especially when they were young, are more likely to have IBS symptoms.
- Alterations in gut microbes. Variations in beneficial microbes like those found in one's gut—bacteria, fungi, and viruses—are one such example. Microbes in people with irritable bowel syndrome may differ from those who do not have the syndrome, according to research.
Diagnosing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Intestinal bacterial staining (IBS) is not yet tested for. Your doctor will likely only order routine blood and stool tests to rule out other illnesses after hearing your symptom history. It's important to rule out other diseases similar to IBS, like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Wait to alter your diet until these tests have been completed. This is especially important for the celiac disease blood test since food can change how the test turns out. There is no trustworthy way to test for allergies or intolerances using private methods (such as hair sampling). Please consult your family physician if you have any concerns.