What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Today, most of the urban population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome due to the increase in stress. IBS or irritable bowel syndrome affects the large intestine, though it is in no way connected with the onset of colorectal cancer. Most people can control IBS by introducing lifestyle changes, however, very few people have severe signs and symptoms.

Having said that, if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS you can consult with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata and create a diet plan or bring in lifestyle changes that can benefit you. However, to know more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, read on below!

Why is IBS known as a functional GI disorder?

IBS is known as a functional Gastrointestinal disorder because it has to do with the gut-brain interaction. The problem has to do with how the gut and brain work together. These problems cause the digestive tract to be very sensitive and cause diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain.

What are the different types of IBS?

The type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that you have has to do with the type of bowel movements one experiences. 

Typically, there are 3 types of IBS, they are: 

• IBS with constipation (poop is hard and lumpy)

• IBS with diarrhoea (poop is loose and watery) 

• IBS with mixed bowel habits (one can have hard and lumpy and loose and watery movements on the same day)

What Are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The symptoms of IBS are as follows: 

• Abdominal pain or cramps, present in the large intestine or the lower half of the abdomen. 

• Bloating

• Bowel movement that are harder or looser than typical. 

• Diarrhoea 

• Constipation

• Alternation between diarrhoea and constipation

• Excess gas

• Mucus in poop (may look whitish) 

Women who suffer from IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome will find that symptoms are synced with their period cycle. For instance, the condition may worsen when the periods are due. If these symptoms occur again and again they can leave the patient feeling weak and exhausted.

Who is at risk of developing IBS?

• The condition occurs in people in the late teens up to their 40s. 

• Women are twice as likely to get IBS than men

• Family history of IBS

• Emotional stress, anxiety or tension

• Food intolerance

• History of physical or sexual abuse

• Severe digestive tract infection

What triggers IBS?

Common triggers include certain food and medication. Moreover, emotional stress can also be a trigger, with certain experts saying that IBS is the gut’s response to life’s stressors.

Takeaway

To get the IBS condition treated, you need to visit the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata. They will prescribe medication for you and also recommend that you visit a dietician so that you can get a proper diet ready.

While researchers don’t know exactly what causes IBS, it is a combination of extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract, how the GI muscles contract and expand while moving food through it, and miscommunication between nerves in the brain and gut.