IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting large intestine in which the bowel overreacts to a mild stimulus in case of eating or in the presence of gas leading to spasm. It is also known as spastic colon.

IBS is common problem affecting as many as one in five of our population. It is most common in people of 20s and 30s, and affects more women than men.

Symptoms of IBS

·        Abdominal pain and may be relieved following a bowel movement

·         

·        Diarrhoea, constipation, Cramping

·         Bloating sensation

·         Excessive belching and flatulence

·         Stool with mucous

·         Occasional heartburn, nausea and vomiting also occur.

·         Serious condition includes:

·         Rectal bleeding

·         Abdominal pain that progresses or occurs at night and

·          Weight loss

Causes of IBS

It is not known exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but a variety of factors play role in causing IBS.

The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm as they move food from stomach through intestinal tract and to the rectum. 

In irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. 

Or the opposite may occur, with weak intestinal contractions slowing food passage and leading to hard, dry stools.

Abnormalities in your gastrointestinal nervous system also may play a role, causing greater than normal discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas or stool.

Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can make your body overreact to the changes that normally occur in the digestive process. This overreaction can cause pain, diarrhea or constipation.

The influence of family history on IBS risk may be related to genes, shared in a family.

Factors that Triggers IBS

Stimuli that can trigger symptoms in people suffering IBS include:

·         Foods: The role of food allergy or intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome is not  clearly understood, but a wide range of foods which could trigger IBS are chocolate, spices, fats, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, milk, coffee, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

·     Stress: Most people with IBS find that their signs and symptoms are worse during periods of increased stress.

·       Hormones:  women’s are more prone to have Irritable bowel syndrome, studies have shown that hormonal changes play a role worsening the symptoms during menstruation cycle.

·      Other illness: Sometimes other illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis) or too many bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth) can trigger IBS.

Diagnosis of IBS

A diagnostic test that may be carried out to rule out this disorder includes blood test, stool analysis, x-ray and endoscopy of the bowel.

Treatment of IBS

·         Dietary changes includes following healthy diet

·         Stress management by life style changes, meditation, relaxation therapies and exercise.

·         Symptomatic treatment includes anti-spasmodic, laxatives,          anti diarrhoeal drugs.

·         Antidepressants can block the brain’s perception of pain in the gut.

·         Analgesics or sedative drugs may be prescribed if indicated.