IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

What is it

Unknown. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Treeoflife, https://treeoflifenutrition.com.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome/. Accessed 16 June 2024.

A disorder occurring in the intestines that causes pain and a group of symptoms that occur together, such as pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements. Oftentimes, symptoms can occur without damage or disease that is visible in the digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not damage tissue in the digestive tract and is uncorrelated in increasing the risk for serious conditions. It is often chronic, requiring diet changes and medication to alleviate symptoms. Other names for IBS include IBS colitis, Mucous colitis, Spastic colon, Nervous colon, and Spastic bowel.

Severity/complications

IBS symptoms can range in severity from minor to severe. While alternative causes are still being investigated, the severity of these symptoms might change day-to-day based on a variety of circumstances, including environment, mental health, and diet. The patient's particular subtype of IBS can also affect the amount of pain experienced. IBS-C causes diarrhea more frequently, IBS-D causes constipation more frequently, IBS-M causes bowel movements between diarrhea and constipation, and IBS-U causes patients to not fit into the aforementioned categories.

One of the complications of the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea can cause hemorrhoids, which are swollen or inflamed veins in the rectum and anal region that can cause bleeding and discomfort during bowel movement. In addition, research by Mayo Clinic Staff shows that people with severe IBS report poor quality of life, as they miss three times as many days of work on average as those without bowel symptoms. Sometimes, they can lead to mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which in turn can worsen IBS.

Being constipated for long periods can result in stool getting blocked in the colon, known as fecal impaction. This can result in pain and headaches, nausea, and vomiting; more common in older adults. IBS can also increase food intolerance; however, they are different for each one. Decreasing the variety of foods to ease IBS symptoms can result in malnourishment, in which important nutrients are not absorbed into the body, making it more essential for tailored food diets. 

Symptoms

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Mucus in stools

• Uncontrollable bowel movement

• Bloating

• Cramping

• Flatulence

• Unexpected Weight loss

• Feeling like bowels are not empty even though they are

Unknown. Symptoms and Causes. 16 Nov. 2023. Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs. Accessed 16 June 2024.

What causes it

  While few triggers can be identified, most causes are still not found by experts. A study suggests a theory that the colon's hypersensitivity can result in overrating to mild stimulation, resulting in bowel muscle spasms (causing diarrhea or constipation). Another theory suggests that chemicals produced by the body can be involved in causing the condition. The chemicals include serotonin and gastrin, which control nerve signals between the brain and the gut. 

 Muscle contractions in the intentions, issues with the nerves in the digestive system, severe infection, early life stress, and changes in gut microbes are a few factors that appear to play a role in the patients studied so far. However, the main triggers noted currently include introduction or intolerance to ascertain foods or increased stress. The relationship between these triggers and the symptoms of IBS is not yet fully understood. 

  People aged under 50, female, having a family history of the constitution, or having mental health issues increase the chances of having the symptom. For females, estrogen therapy also contributes to the risk factors of IBS. 

Treatment:

  No single treatment works for everyone, but IBS patients can still get help. Mild and moderate IBS can relieve symptoms by managing stress and aging changes in lifestyle and/or diet. If the problems are moderate or severe, counseling is suggested, especially if depression or other mental health factors increase the severity of symptoms.

Some medications can include fiber supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic medications, Tricyclic antidepressants, SSRI antidepressants, and pain medications. However, medications specific to IBS include Alsotron (Lotronex), Eluxadoline (Viberzi), Rifaximin (Xifaxan), Lubiprostone (Amitiza), and Linaclotide (Linezz), all of which try to relax the colon, decrease muscle contracts, decrease bacterial overgrowth, and. increase fluid secretion respectively.

Citations:

1. professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs. Accessed 16 June 2024.

2. Unknown. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064.

3. DA;, Lembo A;Ameen VZ;Drossman. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Toward an Understanding of Severity.” Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : The Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16233998/. Accessed 16 June 2024.