Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract manifested by persistent and agonizing symptoms. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person but usually include abdominal pain, feeling full and inflated, and changes or bowel habits. It occurs with constipation or diarrhea or alternation of constipation and diarrhea. The various examinations have as their primary objective the exclusion of other bowel conditions with similar symptoms. In advanced patients with first-come-out symptoms, the physician should order a number of tests (hematological, radiological, and mainly colonoscopy). The aim is to exclude the possibility of a bowel pathology requiring surgical treatment. A balanced healthy diet at regular intervals will reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Some irritable bowel syndrome patients are helped by increasing fiber in their diet and others by reducing them.
Basic sources of fiber intake are cereals, fruits and vegetables. IBS Patients who associate their symptoms with stress benefit from a better understanding of the syndrome. Psychological support from an anxiety specialist may also help. In very serious cases antidepressant treatment can help. Spasmolytic medicines may help some patients. If constipation is present, laxatives are also administered under medical supervision. Respectively, diarrhea is also treated if it restricts the individual’s activities. Irritable bowel syndrome is extremely common in developed countries. It is estimated that more than half of patients visiting external gastroenterology clinics suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. One in three has symptoms at one time, and one in ten has ever visited a physician for the symptoms. It is the same in men and women and it is all about the ages.
Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Inherited?
Irritable bowel syndrome is not inherited as the causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not fully understood. As its name implies, patients with the syndrome have a more sensitive intestine that causes the symptoms. If the intestine is overactive, the result is rapid diarrhea. On the contrary, a “lazy” intestine leads to constipation. The muscular spasm of the bowel causes discomfort and pain. Spasm can be caused by the presence of air in the intestine or the simple passage of food. Stress, depression and general anxiety are considered to be associated with the syndrome. The patient enters a vicious circle where anxiety and depression cause the disease to flush, and the symptoms cause anxiety. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are worried that they suffer from something more severe and that they live in constant agony.
The type of diet, eating habits and lifestyle affect bowel function. Consuming very large or very small amounts of fiber, high fat and intense spices can trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Also, IBS can be triggered by drinking alcohol, coffee or smoking. In some patients some foods can cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Otherwise, no predisposing factor can be clearly identified. Despite the many years of research, the causes of the syndrome are unknown and therefore we do not know the appropriate treatment. It is established that the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are due to the mode of bowel function and not to any particular disease. Fortunately, the symptoms of most patients are controlled by symptomatic treatment. Some of the symptoms simply recede over time. More research is needed to understand the phenomenon as well as to understand bowel function.
- Mayo Clinic – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
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