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IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome can cause significant emotional distress and interruption in daily life activities that adversely impact mental and physical wellness. IBS disease causes persistent digestive problems, including bloating, persistent abdominal pain, and altered bowel movements. Although symptoms of IBS are usually mild, but need immediate medical attention. It’s important to understand that you must consult an experienced gastroenterologist. In this blog, a top gastroenterologist in Vijayawada discusses IBS, its symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and what are the treatment options for IBS management.
Synopsis
What Is IBS and How Does It Affect Your Digestive System?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects the large intestine by causing various symptoms, including abdominal cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Here’s how IBS impacts the digestive system:
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Disrupted Bowel Function: IBS disturbs muscle movement in the colon, resulting in a combination of diarrhoea and constipation symptoms and their alternating patterns.
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Altered Gut Sensitivity: People with IBS often have a sensitive gut, which makes them feel pain and discomfort from regular digestive activity, causing bloating and other symptoms.
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Gut Microbiome Imbalance: In IBS patients, the gut microbiome stays out of balance, producing gas and bloating.
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No Structural Damage: Unlike other gastrointestinal conditions, IBS does not cause visible damage to the intestines, but it still can affect normal digestive function and overall health.
Common IBS Symptoms: How to Recognise the Signs?
Recognising IBS symptoms early can help you take proactive steps in managing the condition. IBS disease symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs often include gastrointestinal discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Here are some common IBS symptoms to watch out for:
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Abdominal Pain: Cramping or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved after a bowel movement, is one of the hallmark IBS symptoms.
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Bloating: IBS frequently causes bloating, making your abdomen feel full, swollen, or distended.
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Changes in Bowel Habits: Irregular bowel movements are a typical sign of IBS.
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Gas and Flatulence: Increased gas production can lead to excessive burping or flatulence, both common IBS symptoms.
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Mucus in Stool: Some people with IBS notice mucus in their stools, a symptom often seen alongside diarrhoea.
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Nausea: IBS can sometimes lead to nausea, especially after eating, which can affect daily activities.
When to Seek Professional Help: Knowing When to See a Gastroenterologist
While many people with IBS can manage their symptoms with dietary changes and over-the-counter medications, it’s important to recognise when professional help is needed. Here are situations when you should seek help from a gastroenterologist:
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Persistent Symptoms: If your IBS symptoms persist for weeks or months despite dietary changes and over-the-counter medications, it's time to seek professional help.
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Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're losing weight without trying or experiencing a sudden loss of appetite, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs medical evaluation.
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Blood in Stool: Finding blood in your stool, especially if it’s accompanied by pain or diarrhoea, should be taken seriously and requires professional attention.
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Severe Abdominal Pain: If your abdominal pain becomes severe or unrelenting, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that needs to be ruled out.
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New or Worsening Symptoms: If your IBS symptoms suddenly change or worsen significantly, it is essential to see a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Difficulty in Managing Symptoms: If lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to control your IBS disease symptoms, a specialist can help with stronger treatment options.
IBS Symptoms Treatment: What a Gastroenterologist Can Do
An expert gastroenterologist can provide a variety of treatment options for IBS symptoms. Here’s what a gastroenterologist can do for IBS symptom treatment:
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Prescription Medications: A gastroenterologist may prescribe medications like antispasmodics to relieve cramps, fibre supplements for constipation, or anti-diarrheal drugs for diarrhoea. For more severe cases, medications like SSRIs or antidepressants may be used to help manage stress-related symptoms.
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Dietary Modifications: A low FODMAP diet may be recommended to help identify trigger foods and reduce symptoms.
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Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms, a gastroenterologist may recommend stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help reduce stress and improve gut health.
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Probiotics and Fibre Supplements: Some patients benefit from taking probiotics or fibre supplements to regulate bowel movements and improve gut bacteria, which can help alleviate IBS symptoms.
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Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up visits to track the effectiveness of IBS treatment plans and make adjustments as needed are key to managing IBS symptoms long-term.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing IBS symptoms, seeking help from a gastroenterologist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. A gastroenterologist can provide a tailored approach to managing IBS disease symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary recommendations. Early intervention and ongoing care can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
FAQ's
You should consult a gastroenterologist if your symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities, or if you notice concerning symptoms like blood in stool or unexplained weight loss.
The best treatment varies by individual but often includes medications, dietary changes, and stress management techniques recommended by a gastroenterologist.
While diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS symptoms, medications may also be necessary for effective treatment, especially in moderate to severe cases.
Treatment for IBS can take time. It may take several weeks to notice improvement with dietary changes, and medication adjustments might be necessary.
No, IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to the digestive system, but it can affect quality of life if not managed properly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
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