Secret to solve your IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including abdominal pain and changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying damage.^[1] These symptoms occur over a long time, often years.^[2] It has been classified into four main types depending on whether diarrhea is common, constipation is common, both are common, or neither occurs very often (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, or IBS-U respectively).^[1] IBS negatively affects quality of life and may result in missed school or work.^[9] Disorders such as anxiety, major depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome are common among people with IBS.^[1][10]

The causes of IBS are not clear.^[2] Theories include combinations of gut–brain axis problems, gut motility disorders, pain sensitivity, infections including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, neurotransmitters, genetic factors, and food sensitivity.^[2] Onset may be triggered by an intestinal infection,^[11] or stressful life event.^[12] IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder.^[1] Diagnosis is based on symptoms in the absence of worrisome features and once other potential conditions have been ruled out.^[3] Worrisome features include onset at greater than 50 years of age, weight loss, blood in the stool, or a family history of inflammatory bowel disease.^[3] Other conditions that may present similarly include celiac disease, microscopic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bile acid malabsorption, and colon cancer.^[3]

There is no known cure for IBS.^[5] Treatment is carried out to improve symptoms.^[5] This may include dietary changes, medication, probiotics, and counseling.^[5] Dietary measures include increasing soluble fiber intake, a gluten-free diet, or a short-term diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs).^[3][13][14] The medication loperamide may be used to help with diarrhea while laxatives may be used to help with constipation.^[3] Antidepressants may improve overall symptoms and reduce pain.^[3] Patient education and a good doctor–patient relationship are an important part of care.^[3][15]

About 10 to 15% of people in the developed world are believed to be affected by IBS.^[1][7] It is estimated that 45% of people globally are affected by IBS.^[8] It is more common in South America and less common in Southeast Asia.^[3] It is twice as common in women as men and typically occurs before age 45.^[1] The condition appears to become less common with age.^[3] IBS does not affect life expectancy or lead to other serious diseases.^[6] The first description of the condition was in 1820 while the current term “irritable bowel syndrome” came into use in 1944.^[16]