What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms may be persistent, or they may briefly resolve and recur later. These include:
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Gas or flatulence
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Passing of mucous
- Fatigue
Women who have IBS tend to experience symptoms around the time of their period, or experience more symptoms then.
Some experts estimate that 50% of women with IBS suffer worse symptoms before or during their period. This is due to fluctuating hormone levels that have an impact on the gastrointestinal (GI) system, making GI symptoms more severe.
What are the causes of IBS?
There are many factors that contribute to IBS, including:
- Stress
- Genetics
- Previous gut infection
- An imbalance of the gut microbiota
- An over-sensitivity of the nerves in the gut
- Diet, especially relating to a group of foods referred to as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and cause digestive distress in some individuals)
There is no single cause, and some or all of these factors interact together to result in the symptoms of IBS.
How is IBS diagnosed?
There is no single test for IBS, and the diagnosis is made by your doctor, based on your symptoms. Sometimes, additional diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, scans or blood tests may be necessary to exclude other conditions.
Endoscopy
In an endoscopy or upper endoscopy, your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube down your throat and into your oesophagus, which has a camera attached to its end. This is called an endoscope and your doctor will use it to inspect the upper digestive tract. It is also possible to take tissue samples during an endoscopy if your doctor wishes to rule out other conditions.
Blood test
Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to rule out celiac disease, which produces symptoms that are similar to IBS.
Breath test
A breath test can help to check for bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, or to test for what foods you may be intolerant to.
Stool test
If you have chronic diarrhoea, a stool test may be recommended to check for bacteria, parasites or bile acid.
How is IBS treat?
Treatment for IBS will depend on the severity of the symptoms you experience and often include the use of medication and approaches to address and correct the underlying factors.
Your doctor may also recommend medication to control the symptoms and reduce the sensitivity of the nerve endings.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help. These include learning how to manage stress and making an effort to regulate your diet. It is also important to identify and avoid your triggers, as triggers can differ from person to person.