IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common reasons people visit a gastroenterologist.  IBS consists of a group of symptoms that attack your digestive system.

Such symptoms can be excruciating and make you feel highly uncomfortable.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects the colon and the large intestine typically. But the good news is that it does not lead to permanent damage to your intestine or cause intestinal bleeding. It is also not an indication of Intestinal cancer.

Must know about IBS Gastroenterology:

Given below is a list of some of the facts regarding IBS gastroenterology. Read on to know more.

1- According to research, about 10-15% of the total population worldwide has IBS and need to need to consult a Gastroenterologist specialist 

2- This disease can affect anyone from any age group and affects both age groups.

3- Mostly, people suffering from IBS Gastroenterology are below fifty years. However, it can still affect those above the age of 50.

4- The exact cause of IBS is still unknown and can be attributed to several other factors, but the most important factor is stress.

5- IBS is a disease that has a brain-gut connection. As such, it can be highly predictable. For this very reason, stress can either induce or worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS Gastroenterologist, specialist.

6- There is no treatment to cure IBS. However, treatment is available only to manage symptoms.

7- IBS diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional such as a gastroenterologist specialist.

8- Though many of the population suffers from IBS, very few actually seek medical intervention.

Types of IBS Gastroenterology:

IBS can be classified into 3 types based on the bowel movement you experience.

They can be categorised as such:

  • IBS -C (constipation): Here, IBS is in the form of constipation, where your faeces are lumpy and hard.
  • IBS-D (diarrhoea): Here, IBS comes in the form of diarrhoea, where you pass out watery and loose stools.
  • IBS-M (mixed bowel habits): Here, IBS gastroenterology is in the form of both constipation and diarrhoea. If you happen to have both loose and watery stools as well as hard stools, you must visit a gastroenterologist specialist asap!

Causes of IBS:

The exact cause of IBS is still not known in the medical world. However, they have ascertained the causes to several factors that can cause IBS, such as:

  • Brain- gut Miscommunication wherein the nerves of the brain and the gut are in a state of miscommunication.
  • Hypersensitive nerves in the GI tract which is also known as Visceral Hypersensitivity.
  • The contraction of the GI muscles leads to food movement through the GI tract and is commonly known as Dysmotility.

IBS Symptoms and treatments:

Symptoms of IBS Gastroenterology:

  • Bloating
  • Passing of excess gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal cramping in the lower part of the abdomen.
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Whitish faeces indicating the presence of mucus.
  • Intolerance to food
  • Constant feeling of having to pass stools
  • Lethargy
  • A popping belly
  • Headaches
  • Heartburn
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Anxiety
  • The constant need to pee
  • Sexual problems
  • Painful menstruation in women
  • Urinary infections
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Fever
  • Anaemia
  • Vomiting

If these symptoms indicate IBS, they will persist for three months or more. If you experience these symptoms for more than three months, you need to consult a gastroenterologist specialist.

Treatment of IBS Gastroenterology:

There is no single remedy for gastrology IBS treatment. Everyone will have different symptoms, and the same treatment cannot be prescribed. You will need to visit a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and then formulate a treatment plan for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

1- Lifestyle and dietary changes:

  • Avoiding caffeine 
  • Adding whole-grain food to your diet for better digestion
  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 7-8 glasses of water per day
  • Avoid smoking
  • Adding more fibre to your diet
  • Limit dairies such as milk and cheese
  • Learn stress management
  • Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three king-size meals
  • Track your food habits to understand which type of food triggers your IBS Gastroenterology.

2- Medication for IBS Gastroenterology:

  • Antibiotics such as Xifaxan
  • Psyllium, corn fibre or wheat bran are bulking agents.
  • Antidepressants
  • Antispasmodic medication
  • Probiotic medication
  • Laxatives such as Polyethylene Glycol.
  • Bile acid sequestrants 

To find the best treatment for you, follow all the tips and steps mentioned by your gastroenterologist specialist. If you do not seek medical attention, over time, IBS may lead to further complications such as Malnourishment, Hemorrhoids, complications during pregnancy, anxiety and even depression. Therefore, it’s better to consult Dr Nivedita Pandey. She specialises in digestive health as a gastroenterologist. The conditions she treats range from acid reflux to ulcers, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer.