Eradicating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A few years ago, we had a fire in our home, which displaced us for a year. That particular summer my son had terrible bouts of diarrhea, where there were occasions he would have to use the bathroom about three or four times in a day. Blessedly, he eventually recovered from it but one of the terms bandied about in my head to describe one possibility for his condition was irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of the large intestines. The cause of IBS is unclear. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from the stomach to the intestinal tract and rectum. Usually, these muscles contract and relax in a steady rhythm. With IBS, contractions are stronger as food is forced through the intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. When the opposite occurs, the result is constipation.
Some experts believe IBS is caused by changes in the nerves that control contractions, while others believe the central nervous system may affect the colon. In women, perhaps hormonal changes are to be blamed. Neither stress nor certain foods can cause IBS but they can exacerbate symptoms.
IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States and 11 percent of the population globally. IBS is also referred to as functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic bowel and spastic colon. This condition differs from inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
The condition is classified based on the type of symptoms you experience. For example, IBS-C or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or IBS-M or irritable bowel syndrome with mixed bowel habits. There is no cure for IBS.
IBS occurs more often in women than in men. The condition typically starts in your twenties or thirties but it can appear at any age. Many other ailments may cause similar symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome so the challenge is to make sure you don’t have some other illness.
You may be at a higher risk for IBS if you suffer from food intolerances, have a family history of IBS, you have anxiety or tension or emotional stress, a history of abuse, or a severe digestive tract infection. The course of the disease can vary widely. For instance, some people will experience an onset as a result of an intestinal infection or a bout of stomach flu.
To diagnose with IBS, you have to have the above symptoms for at least three months. Your doctor will take a complete history, do a physical examination, and order a series of blood tests. You may also have some X-rays or other imaging studies of your abdomen, as well as a sigmoidoscopy exam.
In a sigmoidoscopy, a doctor inserts a lighted, rubber tube through your rectum and into your lower intestines (the colon or large intestines). Using this tube, the doctor can inspect the intestines to check for any abnormality. Unfortunately, there are no specific tests to tell if your symptoms are due to IBS.
IBS can be managed with changes to lifestyle habits, use of over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications. Drugstore products such as Imodium, an anti-diarrheal, and Dulcolax, a laxative, may be useful in relieving symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a fiber supplement or a probiotic to place “good bacteria” within your gut. Other treatment choices include antispasmodics such as Bentyl and Levsin that relax the intestinal muscles to relieve cramping.
Dietary changes may reduce symptoms of IBS. Some research indicates that a Low-FODMAP diet may be effective. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyols, all of which are carbohydrates. High-FODMAP foods may include gas producers like beans and Brussel sprouts and possible problematic foods like wheat and dairy.
The logic is that in people with IBS, these foods may cause flare-ups because they are poorly absorbed and produce excess gas. Low-FODMAP foods seem to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms for some IBS patients. Some foods include rice, quinoa, eggs, potatoes, and almond milk. Here’s a recipe that hopefully will be gentle on your system.
Some IBS patients notice their symptoms worsen when they feel stressed out. Some evidence suggest a crosstalk between the brain and the gut. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation may be helpful.
Home remedies may curtail symptoms. Many patients find peppermint oil soothes digestive tracts. The fiber psyllium may be useful as well.
Of course, exercise may be beneficial for people with IBS. Exercise promotes production of certain brain chemicals we all rely on for their natural tranquilizing effect.
With all these solutions, you can look forward to controlling this common condition. As always, don’t be afraid to see your physician and push for a diagnosis if something isn’t right with your body. You are your best advocate.
