Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Overview

The gastrointestinal tract performs a number of vital functions in the human body. People having problems related to the gastrointestinal tract experience abnormalities related to digestion, metabolism and bowel movements. A very common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract is – “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. It is a combination of digestive disorders, bowel incontinence, and metabolic syndromes. The reports of the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders show that the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome varies from 10-15% worldwide. Nearly 40% of these people exhibit mild symptoms, 35% exhibit moderate symptoms and 25% exhibit severe symptoms.

Definition

irritable bowel intestineIrritable bowel syndrome is a chronic medical condition which comprises the abnormalities in bowel movements accompanied by abdominal pain. It arises mainly due to functional abnormalities of the intestine. Under healthy conditions, the periodic contraction and relaxation of the intestine facilitate the motion of food along the digestive tract. In irritable bowel syndrome, contractility of the intestine is altered which results in numerous complications. Mainly the lower portion of the gastrointestinal tract is affected in this case. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is usually manifested as disturbed bowel movements, abdominal distension, and passage of gas. At present, nearly 40 million people all over the world are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients are often confused between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by abnormal functioning of the intestine. On the other hand, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a kind of autoimmune disorder wherein the digestive tract is attacked by the immune system of the body itself.

Causes and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a number of factors. The most important ones are listed below-

  • Dysmotility: Dysmotility of the colon may alter the functions of the longitudinal and circular muscles. This results in abnormal propulsive movements, which leads to Diarrhoea or abnormal non-propulsive movements, which leads to Constipation. Increased colonic sensitivity results in these conditions. A person suffering from colonic dysmotility can simultaneously experience Constipation and Diarrhoea.
  • Hypersensitivity: Occurrence of infection or inflammation of the intestine or injury to the intestine can lead to increased sensitivity of the intestinal nerves. This, in turn, causes visceral hypersensitivity that may lead to irritable bowel syndrome. Psychological stress can also elicit a similar response (psychosomatic response).
  • Brain-gut connection: There is a close connection between the nerves of the intestine and the nerves constituting the Central Nervous System. A number of drugs or hormones can trigger the release of harmful chemicals (cytokines) within the body. These chemicals adversely impact the brain and the intestine. This leads to emotional stress causing irritable bowel syndrome and vice versa.
  • Muscles: Mechanical injury or hemorrhoid surgery may lead to the severe damage of the sphincter muscles in some cases. This causes incomplete closure of the anus, which leads to involuntary passage of stool. This gives rise to chronic diarrhea.
  • Nerves: A history of trauma or any injury to the Central Nervous System can cause damage of the parasympathetic nerves responsible for bowel movements. In most cases, the pelvic splanchnic nerve is affected. This leads to the abnormal functioning of the anal sphincter muscles, which precipitates irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Rectal dysfunctions: Two major categories of rectal dysfunctions have been identified so far, which contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. These are- Rectal Prolapse and Rectocele. In Rectal Prolapse, the rectum pushes into the anus, causing incomplete closure of the anal sphincter muscles. In Rectocele, the rectum protrudes into the vagina due to the weakening of the muscles separating them. In this condition, a portion of the fecal matter is retained even after a bowel movement. Rectal surgery or some chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease can cause stiffening of the rectal walls, which may also lead to irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Injuries: Injuries to the rectal muscles or nerves may occur due to childbirth (normal delivery through the vagina), surgical instrumentation or mechanical trauma. Irritable bowel syndrome may arise due to any of these conditions.
  • Aging: Degeneration of sphincter muscles and the nerves in the vicinity of the rectum may occur with age. This leads to irritable bowel syndrome in elderly people.
  • Ethnicity: Caucasians are the common vulnerable groups of irritable bowel syndrome due to their dietary habits.
  • Diet: Daily diet abundant in raw fruits and vegetables, whole wheat product, artificial sugar, and fructose can precipitate irritable bowel syndrome. Excess consumption of caffeinated beverages should also be reduced to prevent bowel incontinence.
  • Substance abuse: Active smokers and alcoholics are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome due to the progressive degeneration of the mucosal linings of the intestinal tract.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable bowel syndrome has the following common symptoms-

  • Accumulation of excess gas in the alimentary canal, leading to flatulence
  • Pain and discomfort in the abdomen
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Involuntary leakage of mucus and fecal matter
  • Passage of gas with an unpleasant smell
  • Difficulty passing stool
  • Feeling of rectal fullness (due to retention of stool) even after a bowel movement
  • Slimy sensation in the anus even after wiping
  • Suppressed urination

 

Types of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome has two main categories

  • Diarrhea: In this condition, an uncontrolled passage of stool occur a number of times in a day. The patients may suffer from dehydration after repeated bouts of Diarrhoea.
  • Constipation: Here, the patient experiences difficulty passing stool due to extreme hardening of the stool. The stool may contain blood in some cases.

Diagnosis

The following laboratory examinations are usually carried out-

  • Defecography
  • Colonoscopy
  • Abdominal X-ray
  • Stool culture
  • Blood test
  • Hydrogen breath test

Low FODMAP for IBS

FODMAP is a collection of short-chain carbohydrates that include:

  • Fermentable – These can be broken down in the large intestine by bacteria.
  • Oligosaccharides – These are individual sugars that are joined in a chain. ‘Oilgo’ meaning ‘few’ and ‘saccharide’ meaning ‘sugar’.
  • Disaccharides – Double sugar molecules. ‘Di’ meaning two.
  • Monosaccharides – ‘mono’ meaning single. These are single sugar molecules.
  • And Polyols – These are sugar alcohols.

These food groups tend to increase digestive strain if these aren’t broken down properly in the large intestine. They absorb water and release gas that expands the intestinal tract causing pain and bloating. A low FODMAP diet helps in relieving symptoms of digestive issues such as :

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Other forms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FFID)
  • Small intestinal bacterial growth (SIBG)
  • Certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema or multiple sclerosis.
  • Health issues that may have been triggered to certain foods.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Those who have been diagnosed with IBS will be advised to go on a low-FODMAP diet to help ease their symptoms. Based on a study conducted in ‘clinical and experimental gastroenterology’, it was found that 86% of those who were diagnosed with IBS felt their symptoms improve upon taking up a low-FODMAP diet.

Treatment and Prevention

Irritable Bowel Syndrome painIBS cannot be treated with just treatment method. It usually requires a combination of several different treatment techniques such as:

  • Lifestyle and dietary changes are at the crux of treating IBS. This includes refraining from caffeine, adding more fiber to your diet, and avoiding tobacco consumption.
  • Also, one should limit the amount of dairy products consumption, except for probiotic yogurt.
  • Stay away from trigger foods such as wheat, red wine, milk, red peppers etc.
  • Medications include psyllium husk ( that adds bulk to the stool) and antibiotic drugs if there is a bacterial infection in the intestines.
  • Drugs that treat constipation and abdominal pain are also prescribed.

Preventing IBS includes:

  • Eating a low-fat diet.
  • Staying away from spicy foods.
  • Limiting dairy consumption.
  • Consuming healthy fibers and probiotics
  • Managing stress
  • Not indulging in alcohol consumption and smoking

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat vitamin B12 rich foods such as whole grains and legumes.
  • Also, consume healthy amounts of probiotics. These will help in keeping the gut flora healthy that smooth digestion.
  • Exercise regularly and learn how to effectively manage stress.
Don'ts
  • Consume large meals in one sitting and lie down immediately after the meals.
  • Indulging in overeating or eating too quickly (eating in a rush).
  • Consume foods that are rich in refined flour, sugar, preservatives, and artificial coloring.

 

 

 

 

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How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
sleep deprivation
Don’t let your sleep deficit grow into memory loss or heart attack Why is sleep important for us? How could sleep deprivation harm you? We bet you didn't know about…
Exercises or diet? Find out the healthiest way to gain weight Tired of being called skinny all the time? Looking for healthy ways to beef up? Why not try…
Bubble Tea: Bubbling with nutrition or a hidden sugar mine? The tapioca pearls present in the tea looks like bubbles and hence the name bubble tea became popular.…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
Quinine: How gin and tonic came to be known as a potent health elixir The discovery of quinine-containing tree bark is sometimes considered the most serendipitous medical discovery of the 17th century.
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
lipase test
Lipase Test A lipase test is a blood test performed to quantitatively measure the level of the enzyme lipase in…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The levels of CA…
The Shepherd's diet
Facts about the Shepherd’s diet Kristina Wilds promoted Shepherd's diet, a Christian-based diet that highlights Jesus Christ's diet as mentioned in the Bible.
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
carbamazepine
Carbamazepine / Tegretol test The carbamazepine is a drug that is used to treat epilepsy and the carbamazepine test is performed to…
diverticulitis diet
Diverticulitis diet: The right way to eat if you suffer from the disease Are you suffering from diverticultis but clueless about your diet ? Read this complete plan for diverticulitis diet…
HSV-IgM test
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-IgM Test The HSV-IgM class antibody is produced by the body a few days after an initial HSV infection and…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the most powerful antioxidant…
diabetic foot ulcer remedy
Diabetic foot ulcer Read to know everything about diabetic foot ulcer,causes,symptoms,diagnosis,treatment prevention and outcome for patients
Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty Read on to find out all about hymenoplasty, the procedure, post-surgery care, the risks, and the benefits.

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