Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional disorder of the digestive system that concerns the large intestine. It is mainly known as spastic colitis or even irritable bowel syndrome, which, fortunately, does not hide any organic disease.

Its creation takes a lot of time and is intertwined with everyone's lifestyle, both nutritionally and psychologically. It is characterized by intermittent abdominal pain at least once a week at the beginning and with symptoms starting at least six months before the diagnosis, which is also related to at least two of the following criteria:

• Relief of bowel disturbances

• Change in the frequency of bowel movements

• Change in the consistency (appearance) of stools

As the condition progresses, the pain becomes chronic, often continuous, and robust. Mostly we find it diffused in the intestinal area, mainly in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and the lower abdomen. Still, it can even be located in the left upper abdomen or even as chest pain on the left side.

Although the root cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, researchers have found that the colon muscles in people with irritable bowel syndrome contract more quickly than those without irritable bowel syndrome. Also, patients with irritable bowel syndrome have a lower pain tolerance.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not hereditary and is not a life-threatening condition but can be caused mainly by poor diet, medications and emotional stress. Also, several studies support that the concentration of excessive amounts of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can also contribute to the production of symptoms, especially when these bacteria are not friendly to the body.

As we know, the proper functioning of the intestinal microbiota is essential because it contributes to the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. It acts as a shield to prevent potentially pathogenic bacteria colonisation. It also contributes to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, while it has an essential role in the functioning of our immune system.

In short, disturbances in intestinal microbiota composition (balance) can affect gut motility, permeability, visceral sensitivity, and stool consistency. Theoretically, these disorders influence the intestine.

Irritable bowel syndrome is distinguished by some sub-types based on the way it manifests through the main symptom, namely:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Predominant Diarrhea (IBS-D)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Predominant Symptom (IBS-C)

• Mixed irritable bowel syndrome with alternating diarrhoea-constipation (IBS-M)

As long as this condition becomes chronic, it can adversely affect the sufferer's quality of life. The coexistence of psychiatric symptoms in patients with irritable bowel has been identified in a percentage ranging from 54% to 100% and mainly concerns depression and anxiety disorders. On the other hand, it has not been clarified whether these conditions are a cause or a result of irritable bowel syndrome.

But the good thing is that irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to severe diseases like cancer. It also does not permanently damage the colon, so that the symptoms can be relieved with appropriate treatment. Diet plays the primary role in dealing with irritable bowel and avoiding stress, the two main factors.

Concerning age and sex, irritable bowel mainly develops before age 50, while it is more common in females. The differentiation between the two sexes is partly attributed to the symptoms that women present during menstruation. The sooner they contact a specialist, the better the treatment of the problem will be. On the contrary, men who, while facing the same symptoms, will rarely seek the help of a specialist for a cure.

Irritable bowel symptoms

Symptoms can be one or more, depending on the case, such as:

• Stomach pain or cramps, especially after eating

• Constipation, often accompanied by a feeling of incomplete emptying

• Alternations of diarrhoea and constipation

• Inability to control bowel movements (faecal incontinence)

• Mucus in the stool

• Bloating or flatulence

• Diarrhoea

• Gases

• Motion sickness

• Backache

The above symptoms can show some flare-ups and even recessions. That is, days may pass with very intense discomfort, while others without any symptoms.

What should we be worried about?

Some symptoms like the following:

• Unexpected weight loss

• Progressively worsening abdominal pain

• Blood in the stool

• Black stools

The above symptoms may also indicate some other health problem, so it would be good not to neglect them and to visit a specialist the moment we detect them. Only in this way will we be able to have a more thorough diagnosis, and tests will be needed to rule out any other diseases.

As this syndrome manifests itself differently from person to person, it is necessary to recognize what triggers your digestive disorders and record them so that the information you give your doctor is as thorough as possible, thus helping to make a better diagnosis.

Because the symptoms of irritable bowel can vary from person to person, the nutritional approach must be equally individualized. Keeping a diary can help your nutritionist be in the best possible position to help you.