IBS

Has a doctor ever told you that your symptoms are in your head? Or that nothing is wrong with you?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not cause any structural abnormalities to the digestive tract. And you cannot verify it with diagnostic tests. But it’s a very real condition that can cause debilitating symptoms.

You’ll have good days with IBS. And you’ll also have bad days. But you can find relief from your symptoms with a personalized treatment plan.

This page will discuss what IBS is. And what warrants an IBS diagnosis. We’ll also discuss common symptoms that you may experience. Lastly, we’ll explore IBS treatment options that can improve your quality of life.

IBS is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. This condition causes abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits.

Symptoms of IBS occur due to the abnormal movement of waste through the large intestine. Your bowels may move too often, resulting in diarrhea. Or they may not move often enough, which causes constipation.

You may also experience hypersensitivity in the large intestine. The nerve fibers may overreact to gas, stool, and certain foods. This leads to abdominal pain.

The diagnosis of IBS is often misunderstood by healthcare providers. This is because your symptoms may change over time. And they may mimic other conditions. Additionally, no tests can provide a definitive IBS diagnosis because IBS does not cause structural changes.

You receive an IBS diagnosis based on your history and a physical exam. More testing is not necessary to diagnose IBS.

To receive a diagnosis of IBS, you must experience abdominal pain at least 1 day/week for 3 months or more. And this pain must occur in relation to 2 or more of the following:

• Bowel movements
• Frequency of stool
• Stool appearance

IBS can be classified into different types depending on your symptoms. You may receive one of the following IBS diagnoses:

• IBS with predominant constipation (IBS-C)
• IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D)
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)

The classic symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain that improves with bowel movements
• Diarrhea or constipation that lessens with bowel movements

You may also experience bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distention.

If you experience additional symptoms, it may be a sign that something more than IBS is going on.

Warning signs include:

• Diarrhea or abdominal pain in the middle of the night
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Blood in the stool
• Greasy stools
• Anemia
• Family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease

If you experience any of the above symptoms, additional testing may be necessary to rule out potential medical conditions.

IBS treatment often involves a process of trial and error. What works for one person may not work for you. You can often manage symptoms of IBS with diet and lifestyle changes. But medication is also an option if your problems persist.

Follow an Elimination Diet

One of the most effective ways to treat IBS is to identify how your body responds to certain foods. Tracking the foods you eat with a food diary can reveal what foods trigger your symptoms. You can then eliminate these foods from your diet and enjoy the foods that don’t bother you.

Common triggers foods for IBS include:

• Spicy foods
• Dairy products
• Wheat
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Onions
• Cabbage
• Beans
• Carbonated beverages
• Artificial sugars
• Chewing gum

Following an elimination diet for IBS is a temporary solution. You shouldn’t restrict your diet unnecessarily. A nutritionist can help you consume needed nutrients while following this diet plan.

Stick to a Schedule

Your digestive system may have difficulty digesting meals at irregular times. Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time every day can help your digestive system establish a regular schedule. This can improve digestion and limit episodes of diarrhea or constipation.

Eat More Plant-Based Foods

Plant-based foods are great sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Adding fiber to your diet can reduce inflammation in the gut and lessen symptoms of IBS. But make sure you incorporate more fiber into your diet slowly. Eating too much fiber can cause bloating.

Good sources of fiber include:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes

Reduce Stress

Your gut and brain share many connections through your nervous system. The more you think about your IBS symptoms, the more your body responds to them. The following activities may help you reduce stress:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Exercise
  Medication

You can also reduce stress during meals by eating slowly. Eating meals quickly can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is your fight-or-flight response. This can slow down the digestive process and lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

IBS is a chronic condition that can interfere with your daily life. You should contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms. Warning signs to be aware of include:

• Bloody stools
  • Black stools
  • Maroon stools
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Weight loss

If you suspect that you have IBS, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Working with a digestive health specialist who understands your condition can improve your treatment outcomes.

Dr. Sameer Islam is a West Texas native and gastroenterologist in Lubbock, Texas. He helps you overcome your digestive issues with holistic treatment. If you have concerns about IBS, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.