Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects colon function. The condition is two times as likely to occur in women than in men.
• The colon can be affected by several conditions which exhibit symptoms similar to IBS, so it is essential to seek a medical diagnosis in order to effectively distinguish the symptoms and prescribe treatment for other more serious diseases such as colon cancer or chronic colitis. 
• IBS can be effectively managed through careful dietary planning and modifying certain behavioral traits as recommended by a doctor.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects colon function. Despite being a chronic condition, it can be managed through treatment that can allow a patient to lead a normal life.

• Stomach pain
• Irregularities in bowel movements (runny stools or constipation)
• Indigestion and gas
• Loss of appetite 

While these symptoms may be similar to those associated with other colon issues, IBS does not increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer.

IBS is generally found to cause slight discomfort, and only a small number of cases suffer from more severe symptoms. Finding ways to relieve stress and anxiety can be enough to alleviate symptoms in some patients, although others may also require medication. Whatever the case may be, seeking medical attention to ensure the right treatment is carried out is crucial because patients may incorrectly identify IBS as the explanation behind their discomfort, while it could be a more serious issue such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Because symptoms of IBS are extremely similar to those associated with several other colon conditions, medical staff will carefully consider each individual symptom. They may also conduct blood tests in order to rule out other disorders and identify the true cause of the symptoms.

Patients with the following symptoms should seek urgent medical attention:

• Anal bleeding
• Severe stomach pain, especially throughout the night
• A sudden and unexpected loss of weight
   

• A family history of IBS
• High levels of stress, anxiety or depression
• Being female (women are twice as likely as males to suffer from IBS)
• Being under the age of 45
  

Although the true causes of IBS remain unknown, there are multiple factors that can increase the risk of IBS. These factors correlate directly with digestive system function (colon contractions). Contraction and relaxation of the colon while food is digested can cause indigestion, gas or constipation, including imbalance of amount and types of good colonic bacteria (normal flora).

IBS is a chronic condition caused by the body’s response to the following environmental stimulants:

• Food allergies: Some people’s IBS can be brought on from an allergic reaction to certain foods 
• Stress
• Hormones: Women are more likely to suffer with IBS due to hormonal changes that occur in the female body and which can play a role in the onset of the condition.
• Imbalance colonic bacteria (bacterial probiotic)

There are several treatment methods for IBS:

• Making dietary modifications, including avoiding certain types of food that can trigger the condition.
• Limiting lactose intake (lactose can trigger IBS).
• Increasing daily consumption of fiber in order improve digestive function.
• Reducing exposure to stress as this is a trigger for the disorder. Patients suffering from stress are advised to seek out a group who can help or support them.
• Exercising regularly.
• Taking medication (including, for example, stomach pain relief drugs or drugs used to treat anxiety and depression). Although there is no specific medication for IBS, there are drugs which may be able to ease some of its symptoms.
• Increasing probiotic intake.

The Liver and Digestive Institute uses innovative, state-of-the-art medical equipment necessary to provide speedy, accurate and reliable screening for a complete range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Our team of expert medical staff has experience from within Thailand and abroad. The Liver and Digestive Institute, located on the 1st Floor of The Japanese Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.