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If you have been experiencing frequent and persistent stomach cramps or irregular bowel movements, it could be more than a simple but long-lasting stomach ache. It could be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The condition affects the normal functioning of the gut, and some of its effects include abdominal bloating and pain, irregular bowel movements, and post-meal discomfort.
If you are looking for effective IBS treatment in Bangalore, this blog is for you. Hare, a gastroenterologist in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore explains what IBS is, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a collection of digestive and non-digestive symptoms, which may have a significant effect on the quality of life. Its symptoms can be mild or severe and may appear and disappear over time. Early identification can be an opportunity to find the proper IBS treatment in Bangalore.
Common Symptoms of IBS
Let's understand the common symptoms of IBS below:
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Abdominal pain or cramps: This is usually experienced in the lower abdomen and resolves after emptying the bowel and occurs more with specific foods or stress.
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Belching and gas: A feeling of bloating, or protruded belly, usually caused by the action of food irritants or improper digestion of some carbohydrates.
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Diarrhoea or constipation (or both): Some experience frequent loose stools, others struggle with hard, infrequent ones - IBS can alternate between both or lean toward one pattern.
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Bowel urgency or incomplete relief: A strong and sudden urge to use the toilet or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
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Mucus in stool: Passing white or clear mucus with stools is common, even without any apparent gastrointestinal infection.
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Fatigue and sleep issues: Persistent discomfort from IBS symptoms may affect sleep quality and leave you feeling drained during the day.
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Nausea after eating: Some individuals report queasiness or mild nausea post-meal, especially during IBS flare-ups.
What Triggers IBS?
Gut-brain connection and IBS can be aggravated by a range of dietary, lifestyle, and emotional factors. Understanding personal triggers can help reduce flare-ups and manage the condition more effectively.
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High-FODMAP foods: Fermentable carbs found in onions, garlic, legumes, and some fruits can worsen gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in many individuals.
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Dairy and gluten intolerance: Sensitivities to lactose or gluten, even without complete intolerance, often lead to digestive upset and altered bowel patterns in IBS patients.
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Irregular eating patterns: Skipping meals, eating late, or overeating disrupts digestion and may provoke bloating, cramps, or changes in stool consistency.
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Chronic stress and anxiety: Stress influences the gut-brain connection, often worsening IBS symptoms by triggering spasms or altering gut motility.
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Lack of physical activity: A sedentary routine slows digestion and contributes to constipation, while regular movement helps improve bowel function.
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Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, can lead to heightened IBS symptoms in women due to increased gut sensitivity.
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Poor sleep habits: Inadequate or disturbed sleep increases stress and may disrupt the digestive rhythm, aggravating IBS flare-ups.
How IBS is Diagnosed?
In case of persistent digestive disturbances or symptoms suggestive of IBS, it is recommended to consult an experienced gastroenterologist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The diagnosis of IBS is mainly determined by a detailed symptomatic evaluation and the exclusion of other medical conditions.
The diagnosis usually involves:
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Symptom-based diagnosis: Doctors often use Rome IV criteria, which focus on pain with bowel changes occurring for at least 3 months, to diagnose IBS clinically.
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Rule out red flags: Conditions like IBD, celiac disease, or infections must be excluded if there’s weight loss, anaemia, bleeding, or nighttime symptoms.
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Physical examination: Abdominal exam and discussion of symptoms help identify patterns typical of IBS and rule out signs of severe illness.
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Blood and stool tests: Basic laboratory tests can check for inflammation, infections, or malabsorption to ensure that no underlying disease is missed.
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Imaging if needed: Ultrasounds or CT scans may be used if symptoms don’t match typical IBS or if complications are suspected.
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Specialist consultation: A gastroenterologist ensures proper diagnosis, especially when symptoms persist or overlap with other digestive disorders.
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Diagnostic support at Manipal: At Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, expert GI teams provide comprehensive testing and tailored IBS care plans.
Conclusion
IBS is a long-term condition that causes significant discomfort, affecting the quality of life. However, with proper care the symptoms can be managed effectively. nderstanding your triggers, adopting a gut-friendly diet, and managing stress effectively are key. The dedicated IBS care team at Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, offers personalised treatment plans to help you manage symptoms effectively and improve gut health. Consult our top Gastroenterologists at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique symptoms and lifestyle.
FAQ's
IBS is a long-term, functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, there is no specific permanent cure for the condition, and treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic management. Although medications help alleviate symptoms, proper diet, lifestyle modification, and stress management are key factors in the management of IBS. Many people with IBS lead everyday lives once they identify their triggers and follow a consistent treatment plan personalized by a gastroenterologist.
Certain foods can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms. It’s best to avoid high FODMAP (Fremantable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, Polyols) foods like onions, garlic, beans, and certain fruits such as apples and pears. Dairy products, especially if lactose intolerant, fried or fatty foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks, can also cause discomfort.
If you are experiencing any or all of the unpleasant symptoms of IBS and are looking for IBS treatment in Bangalore, you can consult Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur. The hospital has some of the top gastroenterologists in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, skilled in diagnosing and treating IBS.
Managing IBS naturally requires a combination of dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. Adopting a low FODMAP diet is one of the most effective ways to avoid the symptoms of IBS. Additionally, adequate hydration, staying physically active, and managing stress with yoga, meditation, and deep breathing techniques provide added benefits.
Low FODMAP is a special diet clinically proven to reduce or prevent the symptoms of IBS. This diet supports avoiding certain types of carbohydrates, such as fermentable sugars like fructose, lactose, and certain fibers, that can trigger the symptoms due to their poor absorption in the gut. Some of the foods included in the low-FODMAP diet are cereals such as rice, oats, quinoa; vegetables and fruits such as carrots, spinach, bell peppers, berries, oranges; and lactose-free dairy
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