Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Everything You Should Know

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive disorder that involves the stomach and intestines. It affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that demands long-term strategies for its effective management. IBS can be properly handled with specific lifestyle changes along with the necessary medications. Take suggestions from the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata to know more about this aspect.

Types of IBS

Generally, there are two types of IBS as listed below:

• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Those who have this type of IBS release loose and watery poop.
• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): As the name suggests, most of the poop is hard and lumpy in this case.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): If you have loose and lumpy bowel movements on the same day, you are likely to suffer from this IBS type.

Symptoms

According to the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, the most common symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain (cramping or bloating)
• Changes in bowel habits
• Bloating and swelling of the stomach
• Flatulence

Causes of IBS

The reasons behind the occurrence of IBS can be attributed to these factors:

• Contraction of intestine’s muscles
• Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
• Stress
• Alterations in gut microbes

What triggers IBS?

If you suffer from IBS, you must have felt certain aspects aggravate your symptoms. Usually, common triggers come in the form of specific foods and medication. Sometimes, anxiety also acts as a trigger. Let’s have a look at some of the factors that trigger IBS:

• Diet triggers (Bread, cereals, high-protein diets, dairy products, coffee, and carbonated drinks, etc.)
• Anxiety triggers (Work pressure, money problems, family issues, etc.)
• Drug triggers (Antibiotics and antidepressants)

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

You can control IBS if you follow a strict diet chart. If the problems persist, you can consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata. Symptoms of concern include:

• Weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Frequent diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting

Diagnosis

You need to consult a medical practitioner if GI symptoms are bothering you. The initial step in diagnosing IBS is a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. However, the gastroenterologist may not suggest colonoscopy in the first instance. He will ask about your medical history to understand the condition in a better fashion and, thereafter suggest lifestyle modifications and tests if needed.

Treatment of IBS

Well, there are medications (Alosetron, Rifaximin, Eluxadoline, Probiotics, etc.) for IBS, but the key to minimizing symptoms lies in lifestyle changes. Let’s have a look:

Activity changes

• Exercise on a daily basis
• Curb smoking
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Consume smaller meals

Dietary changes

• Consume fibrous fruits and vegetables
• Include supplemental fiber in your diet chart
• Drink 8-ounce glasses of water per day
• Avoid tea, coffee, and chocolates
• Limit milk and cheese

Medical changes

• Probiotics
• Antispasmodics
• Antibiotics
• Fiber supplements
• Antidepressant medications

Wrapping Up

IBS is a common disease worldwide. You don’t have to worry about it. If you have IBS, consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata and take prescribed medications while following a strict diet chart.