IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME TREATMENT
- By Houedegnon Zougnon
- On 09/06/2022
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common bowel disorder causing abdominal pain, accompanied by constipation, diarrhoea, or a combination of both. Several terms have been used in the past to describe IBS: irritable bowel, chronic colitis, chronic functional bowel disease, spastic colitis, or functional bowel disorder. It is sometimes confused with colitis, a much more serious condition that causes damage to the colon. IBS does not damage the intestine. IBS affects approximately 20% of the population and is second only to the common cold for days away from work or school. Symptoms of irritable bowel may go away for a while only to reappear later. Unlike ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, IBS does not carry any additional risk of colon cancer. However, if the symptoms of IBS appear after the age of 50, it is better to have a medical examination of the lower part of the intestine to make sure that they are not polyps or colon cancer.
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CAUSES OF IBS
The cause of IBS is not known. Abnormalities of bowel function are generally thought to be due to factors related to hypo- or hyper-reactivity of the large and small intestines. Certain situations can trigger pain and discomfort in people with IBS.
Among them are emotional stress; eating; flatulence (excess gas); female hormones (in women with IBS, symptoms often worsen during menstruation); the use of certain drugs and certain foods (eg alcohol, chocolate, coffee, dairy products, fructose, carbohydrates); after an episode of gastroenteritis; an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
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WHAT CAUSES IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still poorly understood. Several hypotheses have been put forward by different researchers. Here are some of the main ones: The contractions of the intestine of the affected people possibly present abnormal movements. Some believe instead that sufferers are hyper-sensitive to the normal activity of this part of the digestive system. Hormonal changes seem to make irritable bowel symptoms worse.
Some believe that the syndrome could present itself in some cases as a result of an infection such as gastroenteritis. Psychological factors seem to have an important role to play in the onset of the syndrome, but especially in the onset of seizures. An imbalance in serotonin levels could also be to blame.
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SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and cramping, which may be intermittent or a continuous dull ache; constipation or diarrhoea, or an alternation of the two; the urgent need to have a bowel movement; flatulence (excess gas); a feeling of bloating; changes in defecation habits; the presence of mucus in the stool.
Blood in the stool is never a symptom of IBS. People who have blood in the stool, constant pain, or fever should see a doctor. For other possible causes of these symptoms, refer to our fact sheets on Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and haemorrhoids.
WHO IS AFFECTED, RISK FACTORS FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?
The syndrome is very common and it is estimated that it may affect up to 1 in 5 people in industrialized countries. It is estimated that irritable bowel is the cause of more than a third of consultations in gastroenterology. Women are much more diagnosed than men. It could be because they consult more, not necessarily because more of them are reached. Irregular sleep cycles could increase the chances of suffering from this digestive disorder. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan in 2010 among American nurses seemed to show that those whose schedules were variable (alternating day, evening and night schedules) were more at risk of suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. The chronic disorder normally develops during adolescence or early adulthood.
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TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
People with IBS are usually able to manage their symptoms by making adjustments to their lifestyle. A healthy diet can ease symptoms. Some people find the following diet recommended by Canada's Food Guide helpful. Consuming dietary fibre, which is found in whole grain bread and cereals, beans, fruits and vegetables, prevents the stool from drying out too much and promotes regular transit through the colon. At first, adopting a high-fibre diet may cause bloating and gas, but this disappears after a few weeks; it is also possible to alleviate these discomforts by gradually changing the amount of fibre in the diet. You should also drink plenty, especially water, to prevent or reduce constipation. Other people find that avoiding certain foods can ease their symptoms. To reduce cramps and diarrhoea, it is recommended to opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
As stress can cause IBS symptoms to appear, it is important to know how to manage it as well as possible. It is often recommended to practice physical exercises at the same time as relaxation exercises (meditation, for example). Your doctor may also suggest that you speak with a counsellor to learn how to better cope with IBS. If anxiety exacerbates your symptoms, talk to your doctor about how best to cope with your condition.
Drug treatment for IBS is only aimed at the symptoms. Medications are available to slow the passage of food through the digestive tract and to control diarrhoea. Laxatives are sometimes helpful for stubborn constipation, but it's best not to become dependent on them to get regular bowel movements. Antidiarrheal medicines (eg loperamide) can help people who have any of the primary symptoms.
Main is diarrhoea. Several other medications are available and your doctor can discuss them with you.
Probiotics are bacteria that normally live in the intestines and are found in certain foods; they are therefore considered "good" bacteria. Some studies suggest that IBS may be caused by an imbalance of good bacteria present in the intestines.
Probiotics can help alleviate the symptoms experienced by people with IBS by restoring this balance. Further research on the use of probiotics for the treatment of people with IBS, however, needs to be conducted.