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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Who is affected?
IBS is the most common gut condition and affects one in five people at some time, mostly people aged between 25 and 45. Women are more often affected than men. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder, which causes abdominal pain and diarrhoea and often alternating with constipation.
Although the exact cause is unknown and it isn't possible to prevent IBS from developing, there are certain things that trigger attacks and so should be avoided, including stress, irregular mealtimes and, in some cases, a lack of dietary fibre. Some people develop IBS following gut infections and food poisoning.
What are the symptoms?
There are different types of IBS, depending on your main symptom. It's known by a variety of other names, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhoea, nervous colon and nervous or functional bowel. However, some of these names misrepresent the condition. Colitis, for example, is an inflammation of the colon and this symptom isn't found in people with IBS.
IBS often begins during a period of emotional stress. Up to 60% of people with the syndrome have psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Some people will develop it as a result of a gastrointestinal infection, others may find that it's linked to an increased sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods. The following are all common in IBS: abdominal cramps that may be eased by passing wind or passing a motion; bloating and abdominal distension; diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation; and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the rectum.
Other possible symptoms that aren't related to the gut include backache, tiredness, headaches, and urinary or gynaecological symptoms.
IBS doesn't develop into bowel cancer.
What is the treatment?
Avoid danger foods
Making changes to your diet can help to control the symptoms of IBS. Keep a food diary and a record of your bowel symptoms so you can identify any pattern in your condition. Foods which commonly cause upset include wheat products, dairy products, onions, nuts, coffee, tea and cola. Some patients cannot digest lactose (which is the sugar in milk) and develop wind and diarrhoea after consuming large amounts of milk or dairy products. Peppermint oil and antispasmodic medication relieve abdominal pain. Anti-diarrhoea medication will stop diarrhoea. If constipation is a problem then increasing fluid, fibre, activity, as well as taking a gentle laxative may be recommended.
Some people with IBS find that increasing the amount of dietary fibre and reducing caffeine helps. Reducing stress and taking time to relax is important. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are often used. |
