Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestines and the muscles that surround them. This syndrome causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea or constipation. IBS affects people in different ways but it is thought to be a result of recurring stress that alters the natural movement of food through the large intestine.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic digestive disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. IBS is a common condition, affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the population. While there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that can help lessen its symptoms.
IBS is a disorder of the digestive system, specifically the large intestine (colon). The colon is a long, coiled tube that absorbs water and nutrients from digested food and stores wastes prior to elimination. The muscles of the colon contract and relax as they move food and waste through the digestive system.
In people with IBS, these muscle contractions are stronger and last longer than normal, which can lead to abdominal pain and bloating. IBS can also cause changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Some people with IBS may experience both diarrhea and constipation.
There are several possible causes of IBS, although the exact cause is unknown. Some experts believe that IBS may be due to a malfunctioning of the nervous system that regulates intestinal muscle contractions. Others believe that it may be the result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Studies show that in people with IBS, the muscles of the intestine contract more than normal and abnormally quickly when exposed to certain trigger foods or stress. Stress is thought to affect the nerves that control the movement of food and waste through the digestive system.
Excessive nervous system activity can cause diarrheal episodes, while abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles may be responsible for constipation episodes in people with IBS. In addition, some researchers think that an immune reaction may play a role in causing IBS symptoms; since other autoimmune diseases often occur along with IBS. Researchers disagree about whether changes in bacteria or nerve function are the true cause of IBS. Some believe that both causes should be considered equally as potential causes of this disorder.
What are the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. Some people with IBS may also experience nausea, headache, and fatigue.
How does a person know if they have IBS?
There isn’t a blood test or imaging study that can diagnose IBS. Instead, doctors rely on patients’ descriptions of their symptoms and perform a physical exam to make a diagnosis.
IBS is often diagnosed after ruling out other conditions that could be causing a person’s symptoms. To do this, doctors may ask about the person’s medical history and perform tests to check for other conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Once other conditions have been ruled out, a doctor may diagnose IBS if a person has experienced abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 months and has at least 2 of the following:
– Pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement
– Onset of pain associated with a change in stool frequency
– Onset of pain associated with a change in stool consistency
– Stools that are more than 25% watery or more than 25% hard/lumpy
Is there a cure for IBS?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to treat IBS depends on the individual. However, there are a number of options available that can provide relief from symptoms. These include dietary changes, medication, stress management, and probiotics. Some people find that a combination of these approaches is the most effective.
What role does diet play in IBS management?
There are many different dietary approaches that can be helpful in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some people find that certain foods trigger their symptoms, while others may find that following a specific diet helps to reduce their symptoms.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing IBS with diet, but there are some general guidelines that may be helpful. Try to eat a variety of healthy foods and limit your intake of processed and high-fat foods. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
If you suspect that certain foods are triggering your IBS symptoms, you may want to try eliminating them from your diet or keeping a food diary to track your symptoms. Working with a registered dietitian can also be helpful in creating a personalized dietary plan for managing IBS.
Alternative treatments for IBS
Looking for an alternative treatment for IBS? Here are some options that you may want to consider:
1. acupuncture
2. hypnotherapy
3. massage therapy
4. herbal remedies
5. probiotics
Disclaimer
The content in the blog section is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. This is a general information blog only. Please see a doctor if you are experiencing any medical symptoms.

Durga Awasthi 
Sonal Mitra 
Health News