Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It is a common disease that starts by affecting your large intestine (colon). The disorder leads to abdominal pain, discomfort in the body, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation. Only a small amount of population suffering from the disorder experiences severe signs and symptoms, and might need counselling and medication, while most of the patients can relieve of symptoms with simple changes in their lifestyle. Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not result in any permanent damage to the intestine. It does not lead to any changes in the colon tissues and is neutral towards the chances of colorectal cancer.

The precise cause of IBS is still to be found. Intestine walls are lined with muscle layers that regulate the movement of food through the intestinal tract to the rectum, via its relaxation and contraction in a coordinated rhythm. In some people suffering from the disorder, the contractions are stronger. As a result, the food is forced out more quickly which results in gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS greatly vary from one individual to another, and mostly indicate towards other diseases. The symptoms that occur may appear to be random, but they follow a definite pattern in most of the cases. The most common symptoms observed in the patients are:

  • Pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
  • Gaseous feeling in the stomach.
  • Alternate occurrence of diarrhoea and constipation.
  • Presence of mucous in the stool.
  • Bloated feeling.

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Causes

Some of the most probable causes include:

  • Link between the brain and the intestinal tract.
  • Abnormal muscle contractions.
  • Cramping pain.

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Risks

The main risk factors are:

  • Occurs mostly in youth under the age of 45.
  • Family history of this disease.
  • Mental health problem.

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Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should take care of:

  • Deep breathing.
  • Training of mindfulness.
  • Relaxation exercises of progressive nature.
  • Counselling.

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How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, the diagnosis of the disorder depends upon the medical history of the patient and the performance of his physical examination. Some additional tests that can confirm the disorder are:

How is it treated?

At Medanta, the treatment mainly focuses on relieving the body from symptoms. A little change in the lifestyle and diet t is the first step towards treatment. Medications that can be used are: 

..

  • Fiber supplements

    If you are suffering from constipation, start by increasing the quantity of fiber in the diet.

  • Anti-diarrheal medications

    Some of these might result in bloating, so choose the medicine with great care.

  • Antidepressant medications

    These medicines inhibit the pain and control the activity of neurons that affect intestines. They can be included if symptoms are depression and pain.

  • Antibiotics

    Decreasing the growth of bacteria is a method to treat the abnormalities in the intestines.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately see a doctor, if you experience unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, belly pain, fever, and blood in stool. All these symptoms will be treated just right with the expert medical and clinical help at Medanta.

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