Are you dealing with abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and fatigue? These signs may be an indication of a chronic condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. On this World IBS Day, we spoke to Dr Anukalp Prakash, Lead Consultant - Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who listed best approaches to managing and treating this condition effectively.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
According to the Iranian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IBS stands as the primary cause for consultations at gastroenterology clinics. This condition manifests with symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, or a mix of both, accompanied by mucus discharge and alterations in stool appearance.
"While the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, factors, such as abnormal gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, inflammation, altered gut microbiota, and psychosocial factors are believed to play a role in its development", said Dr Prakash.
The Importance of Individualised Treatment
"One of the key challenges in managing IBS is that it can manifest differently from person to person. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Instead, healthcare providers emphasise the importance of individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific symptoms, triggers, and medical history", highlighted Dr Prakash.
According to a 2018 overview, healthcare providers typically diagnose IBS by identifying symptoms that have occurred on at least 3 days per month over the past 3 months.
How To Treat IBS?
Lifestyle Modifications
For many individuals with IBS, lifestyle modifications can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. These modifications may include dietary changes, stress management techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, such as certain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can also help reduce symptoms.
Dietary Interventions
Dietary interventions play a crucial role in managing IBS symptoms. Dr Prakash said, "Some people experience relief by adhering to particular diets, like the low FODMAP diet, which limits specific types of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are fermented by gut bacteria, resulting in symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and others."
A study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that consuming low-FODMAP foods is linked to a notable decrease in symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, or a mixture of these.
Other dietary approaches, such as increasing fibre intake or avoiding gluten, may also be beneficial for some individuals with IBS.
Also Read: Diagnosed With IBS? Here Are 5 Foods You Shouldn't Have
Medications
In addition to lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions, medications may be prescribed to help manage IBS symptoms. These medications target various aspects of the condition, including pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are various medications for treating IBS, including smooth muscle relaxants, laxatives, antibiotics, antidiarrheal medications, and low-dose antidepressants.
It's essential for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate each patient's symptoms and medical history when selecting the most appropriate medication regimen.
Psychological Therapies
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there's a significant connection between the nervous system and colonic function, with stress playing a crucial role in the frequency and severity of symptoms in patients with IBS.
Hence, psychological therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, and relaxation techniques may be beneficial for some individuals. These therapies aim to reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotional triggers that can contribute to IBS symptoms, ultimately improving overall well-being.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to rule out the complications.]