Introduction
IBS is condition that affects the gastrointestinal system. This medical problem is a lifelong condition. Initially, medics used to call it other names such as spastic bowel, spastic colon and mucous colitis. It is characterized by uncomfortable and painful symptoms, which can be managed through appropriate medicine and lifestyle modifications.
Statistics
About 10-15% of American nationals experience symptoms of IBS
The condition is more common in people who are assigned female at birth.
Sub-categories
There are 4 sub-categories into which IBS is classified. These include;
- IBS-C; Primarily constipation. Faeces are hard.
- IBS-D; Primarily diarrhoea. There is loose and watery stool.
- IBS-U; Undefined
- IBS-M; Mixed bowel habits. It alternates between hard and lumpy bowel movements(hard faeces) and loose and watery movements(diarrhoea)
Risk Factors
Sex. Being female. The condition is more common in people who are assigned female at birth.
Exposure to antibiotics. These are drugs used to combat infectious micro-organisms.
Food poisoning.
Infections that affect the GIT
PTSD- post traumatic stress disorder
Trigger Factors
Stress
Anxiety
Some foods that contain sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol.
Causes
Food intolerance. Allergic reactions or insensitivity to some foods can cause IBS.
Childhood stress. Individuals who sufered from physical or emotional abuse during their childhood are more likely to suffer from IBS in their adulthood.
Severe infections that affect the GIT
Visceral hypersensitivity
Dysmotility
Gut bacteria.
Signs & Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Depression, anxiety and changes in moods
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Diarrhoea or constipation depending on the individual patient
Tests & Diagnosis
Lab tests.
Sometimes, laboratory intervention is done to rule out other conditions.
For example inflammatory bowel syndrome and intolerancet food.
- Hydrogen breath test. Hydrogen breath test checks for food intolerance or bacterial overgrowth.
- Stool test. To check for inflammation or infection.
- Blood test. This checks for digestive conditions that may be responsible for the observed symptoms.
- Lactose intolerance test.
Imaging tests.
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
Treatment & Management
Treatment and management of IBS looks at relieving the signs and symptoms of IBS. It is necessary to make adjustments to your lifestyle as advised by the medical practitioner.
Medications are prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner depending on the presenting symptoms.
They include;
- Fiber supplements such as psyllium from Plantago species.
- Laxatives. For constipation, use oral magnesium hydroxide.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medications. Loperamide used for diarrhoea.
- Anti-cholinergic medications. Dicyclomine can be used to deal with bowel spasms that are painful. Anti-cholinergics have the disadvantage of causing dry mouth and constipation.
- Tricyclic antidepressants. Apart from being used to relieve depression, these medications can inhibit the activity of neurons that regulate intestines. Examples include nortriptyline and imipramine.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Fluoxetine can be used in a depressed patient who is also suffering from both pain and constipation.
- Pain medications. Gabapentin and pregabalin to reduce extent of severe pain.
Specific IBS Medications
There are medications that have been developed and are used specifically for IBS.
These are;
- Alosetron
- Eluxadoline
- Lubiprostone
- Linaclotide
- Rifaximin
Management includes;
- Dietary change. Increase the content of dietary roughages in your diet and limit intake of dairy products. Also, remember to avoid gluten.
- Physical activities such as regular exercise.
- Therapy. For example, Cognitive behavioural therapy.
Prevention Methods
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Administer probiotic supplements. Probiotics aid in restoration of gut flora, which is usually disrupted in IBS.
- Diet considerations. Avoid foods that trigger IBS or worsen the symptoms.
- Embrace a healthy sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation can lead to IBS flare-ups,. Therefore, getting quality sleep each night can prevent these flare-ups from occurring.
- Perform regular exercises such as walking and swimming. This is done to improve gut function and alleviate symptoms of IBS.
- Manage stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help in management of stress, which is a risk factor for IBS.