WHAT IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)?
It is a common intestinal disorder that affects over 15% of the population. It is also known as spastic colitis, irritable colon, or mucous colitis. It is not related to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis. It is a functional disorder where intestinal activities are altered in the absence of evident abnormalities.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)?
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain with alternating periods of diarrhea or constipation. The pain is often cramp-like and frequently subsides after a bowel movement. It is often accompanied by intense bloating, changes in stool consistency, mucus in the stool, and urgency for bowel movements.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
The symptoms appear to be related to a functional communication alteration between the nervous system and the intestinal musculature. This dysfunction can make the intestine easily "irritable" or, in other words, more sensitive to specific stimuli. Therefore, the intestinal muscles may contract more or less rapidly, depending on the type of stimulus and timing.
WHAT ROLE DOES STRESS PLAY IN IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)?
IBS is not caused by stress and is not a psychological or psychiatric condition. However, stress, intense emotions, and anxiety can contribute to the onset of this condition. Many people who suffer from IBS report nausea or diarrhea during periods of high stress or anxiety. Removing the causes of anxiety or stress often completely resolves the clinical picture.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF SYMPTOMS ARE DUE TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) OR ANOTHER CONDITION?
A colon proctological examination and colonoscopy (traditional or virtual) are sufficient to exclude more serious diseases. Blood tests, stool analysis, and radiological studies can provide additional support. In severe and ambiguous cases, biopsies of the intestinal mucosa can be taken during colonoscopy to rule out chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
HOW IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) TREATED?
First and foremost, it's important to understand that IBS is not a serious illness, and its symptoms can be alleviated by addressing the underlying causes of anxiety and stress. Sometimes, therapy with antispasmodic or pain-relief medications may be necessary, depending on the intensity of the painful symptoms. An appropriate diet can also help reduce symptoms. It's advisable to avoid meals high in fat, fried foods, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, certain types of sugars like sorbitol or fructose, and certain fruits that can trigger episodes of diarrhea with intense fermentation and bloating.
Additionally, some vegetables such as beans, fava beans, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions can cause bloating and abdominal cramps in patients with IBS and should be avoided. However, it's important to note that IBS symptoms can resemble those of more serious conditions, so it's always advisable to consult a specialist in colon and rectal disorders (colon proctologist).
It is a common intestinal disorder that affects over 15% of the population. It is also known as spastic colitis, irritable colon, or mucous colitis. It is not related to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis. It is a functional disorder where intestinal activities are altered in the absence of evident abnormalities.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)?
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain with alternating periods of diarrhea or constipation. The pain is often cramp-like and frequently subsides after a bowel movement. It is often accompanied by intense bloating, changes in stool consistency, mucus in the stool, and urgency for bowel movements.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
The symptoms appear to be related to a functional communication alteration between the nervous system and the intestinal musculature. This dysfunction can make the intestine easily "irritable" or, in other words, more sensitive to specific stimuli. Therefore, the intestinal muscles may contract more or less rapidly, depending on the type of stimulus and timing.
WHAT ROLE DOES STRESS PLAY IN IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)?
IBS is not caused by stress and is not a psychological or psychiatric condition. However, stress, intense emotions, and anxiety can contribute to the onset of this condition. Many people who suffer from IBS report nausea or diarrhea during periods of high stress or anxiety. Removing the causes of anxiety or stress often completely resolves the clinical picture.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF SYMPTOMS ARE DUE TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) OR ANOTHER CONDITION?
A colon proctological examination and colonoscopy (traditional or virtual) are sufficient to exclude more serious diseases. Blood tests, stool analysis, and radiological studies can provide additional support. In severe and ambiguous cases, biopsies of the intestinal mucosa can be taken during colonoscopy to rule out chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
HOW IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) TREATED?
First and foremost, it's important to understand that IBS is not a serious illness, and its symptoms can be alleviated by addressing the underlying causes of anxiety and stress. Sometimes, therapy with antispasmodic or pain-relief medications may be necessary, depending on the intensity of the painful symptoms. An appropriate diet can also help reduce symptoms. It's advisable to avoid meals high in fat, fried foods, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, certain types of sugars like sorbitol or fructose, and certain fruits that can trigger episodes of diarrhea with intense fermentation and bloating.
Additionally, some vegetables such as beans, fava beans, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions can cause bloating and abdominal cramps in patients with IBS and should be avoided. However, it's important to note that IBS symptoms can resemble those of more serious conditions, so it's always advisable to consult a specialist in colon and rectal disorders (colon proctologist).