Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome – when a healthy bowel causes symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that the bowel is seemingly healthy with no signs of abnormalities in endoscopic examinations despite persistent symptoms.

IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome was previously referred to as spastic colon.

IBS symptoms

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, bloating and gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhoea. Abdominal symptoms may be accompanied by urinary problems, headache, heartburn and non-cardiac chest pain. For some, the same symptom will recur over and over again, whereas for others, the symptoms and their intensity will vary. The symptoms may also come and go.

Typical symptoms of IBS include:

• Recurring abdominal pain that often eases after a bowel movement.
• Bloating and gas, which can cause discomfort.
• Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhoea (sometimes alternating between both).
• A feeling of incomplete bowel movements, such as difficulty emptying the bowels or constant urgency.

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease, for example. Therefore, it is important to rule out the possibility of other diseases if you have been suffering from prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms.

When should I see a physician?

See a physician if you suspect irritable bowel syndrome or if your symptoms are severe, persistent or impact the quality of your life. You should also see a physician for examinations if you have severe diarrhoea or constipation, have blood in your stools, experience weight loss or fever, or you need to get up to pass stool at night. These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious than irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome

Treatment of IBS

A regular lifestyle and diet are the most important factors in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Patients are advised to avoid stress, as it often aggravates the symptoms. Exercise and adequate fibre intake are important, especially for those suffering from constipation.

IBS diet

The FODMAP diet may help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. People on the FODMAP diet avoid carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and ferment in the colon. The FODMAP diet can be especially helpful for managing bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain.

While it may seem like the symptoms of IBS are caused by certain foods, actual hypersensitivity to nutrients is rare.

Pharmacological treatment of IBS

Diarrhoea and constipation medicines may also be used to manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as instructed by your physician or pharmacist if basic examinations have been carried out and your physician has diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.

Fibre supplements can also help regulate bowel function and can be safely used for the rest of your life, if necessary. There are also prescription medications for severe abdominal pain. Discuss medication options for irritable bowel syndrome with your physician.