Symptoms and Treatments
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome has no known cause. The physical cause of IBS is a malfunction of the muscle lining of the intestines that rhythmically contracts and relaxes to move food through the digestive system. Due to this, contractions may last for a longer or shorter period of time, during which they can become tighter or weaker than they should be, resulting in various IBS symptoms.
Some people may experience IBS triggered by the following stimuli, although the exact triggers will differ from person to person:
Food Allergies & Intolerances. Know which foods aggravate your IBS symptoms if you have food allergies or intolerances. It is best to keep track of what you eat every day and compare this to any instances of discomfort caused by your symptoms in order to determine these triggers.
Related Medical Conditions. IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions can be caused by GI infections such as gastroenteritis.
Psychological Factors & Stress. Irritable bowel syndrome can also be triggered by stress, depression, and anxiety.
Imbalanced Hormones. IBS can be caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, neurotransmitters, and estrogen.
Symptoms of IBS
There are three separate classifications: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating and might not always be persistent, with some patients experiencing issues a few days every month. This makes recording symptoms and creating a food diary helpful tools in diagnosis and treatment.
IBS symptoms include:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Gas and bloating
- Frequent constipation
- Changes in the appearance of your bowel movements, like the presence of mucus
- In severe cases, IBS can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, uncontrollable bowel movements, unexplained vomiting, and iron-deficiency anemia
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBS, so we will create customized plans to help relieve your symptoms. We start by employing conservative treatments such as dietary or lifestyle changes. If those don’t mitigate your symptoms, we will work with you to develop a medication plan based on whether your IBS manifests as constipation or diarrhea.
Does IBS Affect Everyone?
Anyone can develop IBS, but certain factors can increase one’s chances of developing it, including:
- People under the age of 50 are more likely to suffer from IBS.
- The likelihood of women developing IBS is twice that of men.
- As IBS can be psychological, those who are emotionally unstable are more likely to develop it.
- Like most illnesses and ailments, a family history of IBS can play a significant factor in an individual's risk of developing IBS.
- Follow a Low FODMAP Diet
- Eat Regular, Balanced Meals
- Stay Hydrated
- Manage Stress
- Get Regular Exercise
Frequently Asked Questions
IBS is not considered a serious or life-threatening condition, but it can significantly impact quality of life. Managing symptoms is important for maintaining daily functioning and overall well-being.
There is no cure for IBS, but many people can manage their symptoms effectively with lifestyle and dietary changes, medications, and stress management techniques.
It can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and your response to treatment. Some patients experience improvement within weeks, while others may take several months. The key is to be patient, consistent with your treatment plan, and communicate openly with your doctor about your progress.
If your IBS is severe and doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, medication, or other initial treatment approaches, our doctors at San Jose Gastroenterology can explore additional options. This might include referral to a specialist or exploring newer therapies being studied for IBS management.
Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms or trigger flare-ups. Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and counseling can be beneficial in reducing symptoms.
IBS can sometimes be associated with other conditions like anxiety, depression, or other functional gastrointestinal disorders. It’s important to address any co-existing conditions with your healthcare provider.
