IBS is a group of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating and changes in intestinal movement, which may be diarrhea, constipation or both. Photos for representative purposes only
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) used to be called mucositis or spastic intestine, is a common disease that affects about 5-10% of the Indian population. It is a disease of intestinal interactions that causes the intestine to become more sensitive and responsive to diet, infections, and emotions.
IBS is a group of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating and changes in intestinal movement, which may be diarrhea, constipation or both. Despite these symptoms, there are no visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract. IBS is a chronic disease but does not increase the risk of colon cancer.
Risk factors for IBS include family members with IBS, having a history of stressful or difficult life events, and suffering from severe digestive tract infection. Women are more likely to develop IBS than men.
The diagnosis of IBS is based on typical symptoms and lack of alert symptoms such as weight, fever and blood in the feces. Laboratory tests including blood tests, fecal tests and imaging studies, such as colonoscopy and CT scans/MRI can be performed.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, diet and medications. Treatment takes time to work and improve symptoms, but rarely cures the disease.
Changes recommended by dietitians may include increasing fiber in the diet, limiting dairy products, and avoiding foods with legumes, legumes, dal, cabbage and carbonate. Nutritionists can also recommend a low FODMAP diet (reducing difficult-to-digest carbohydrates) and drinking plenty of water. The recommended lifestyle changes are regular exercise, sleep 7-9 hours at night, and try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Drugs to relieve persistent symptoms include laxatives for constipation, anti-pigmentation of feces and impurities of intestinal spasm. A small dose of anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant will help people with anxiety or depression.
Living with IBS is challenging because symptoms appear throughout your life. A strategy for living comfortably is to identify the triggers that cause symptoms and avoid them.
(Dr. Ashok Chacko is a senior consultant to the Department of Gastroenterology at Vellore Naruvi Hospital. Ashok.c@naruvihospitals.com)
publishing – April 19, 2025 at 10:48 am
