Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder causing symptoms like abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. For effective diagnosis and management, consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata for personalised care and treatment options.
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects a large population of people globally and interferes with their normal functioning. The cause of IBS is still unknown, but the symptoms of this disease can negatively affect the quality of life. This article explores IBS, its signs, and symptoms, possible causes, and available treatments, as well as consulting with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, such as Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata.
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
IBS is an abbreviation that stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and is a collective term for a number of disorders that are related to the intestines. Although it is positioned as an illness, it is actually a dysfunction, or as the name implies, a pathological disruption of the digestive process. IBS sufferers can have a number of symptoms and these may be mild or severe and may last for a short time or for a long time.
The most common types of IBS are:
- IBS with Diarrhoea (IBS-D): It is a condition that is associated with the passage of stools more often than is normal.
- IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): Characterised by constipation that occurs after long intervals and often with difficulty.
- IBS with Mixed Symptoms (IBS-M): Characterised by periods of loose bowel movements followed by periods of hard bowel movements.
IBS symptoms are different in each person but include bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort, and altered bowel movement.
Symptoms of IBS
The symptoms of IBS may be mild or severe and may vary from time to time. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Abdominal Pain: Usually localised in the lower abdomen, it is usually described as being better after a bowel movement.
- Bloating: Discomfort around the midsection, accompanied by swelling and gas that can result in bloating and pain.
- Diarrhoea or Constipation: The stool can range from diarrheal-like consistency to constipation where passing stool is very difficult.
- Mucus in Stool: Some people may see mucus in their stool as well.
- Fatigue and Stress: Some of the IBS patients experience fatigue, anxiety or stress which may trigger the symptoms.
These symptoms may be intermittent and may be precipitated by certain foods, stress or hormonal changes.
Causes of IBS
Although the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of this condition:
- Gastrointestinal Motility Problems: In IBS, the muscles in the intestines may contract with greater force or less force than is normal, resulting in diarrhoea or constipation.
- Gut Sensitivity: People with IBS may be more sensitive to gas, food or stress, which causes pain or discomfort in the abdominal area.
- Infection: Some people get IBS after a bacterial infection in the intestines, which is called post-infectious IBS.
- Stress: Stress is known to cause changes in gut motility and may also be a cause of IBS symptoms. The mind and gut connection means that stress and other mental disorders may worsen gut discomfort.
- Dietary Factors: Some of the IBS-related foods include fatty foods, dairy products, alcohol and caffeine.
Treatment Options for IBS
Technically, despite IBS cannot be eradicated, there are measures taken to lessen its effects. The treatment plan commonly may comprise dietary intervention, use of drugs and altering of some behaviours and habits. Below are some common treatment options:
- Dietary Changes: Most people with IBS get better by changing their diet, for instance, the low FODMAP diet, which restricts certain carbohydrates that are known to cause IBS. Also, changing eating habits, such as dividing the food portions throughout the day might also assist in reducing stomach bloating or discomfort.
- Medications: In some cases of IBS, your doctor may recommend medication. In the condition IBS with diarrhoea a number of drugs which are usually used are loperamide commonly referred to as Imodium. In the case of IBS-C, often one may prescribe a non-absorbable osmotic laxative such as polyethene glycol (MiraLAX), or fibre supplements.
- Probiotics: Additional studies have shown that probiotics, which are special forms of bacteria that are good for your stomach, as they promote a healthy gut, can be beneficial to a subset of IBS patients, primarily, where they relieve bloat and gas.
- Psychological Therapies: As the symptoms of IBS worsen when a person is stressed or anxious, therapies like CBT or the availability of some relaxation techniques can prove beneficial for the IBS patient.
For proper diagnosis and individualised treatment, it is advised to visit the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
It’s important to see a gastroenterologist if:
- Symptoms are acute or chronic.
- There is a change in the bowel movement pattern.
- Weight loss, blood in stool, or fever appears (which may be signs of other diseases).
- Symptoms are interfering with your quality of life.
A qualified gastroenterologist at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata will carry out a few tests which include blood, stool or colonoscopies to identify other related conditions like; Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis which may cause similar symptoms to IBS.
Conclusion
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, multifactorial disorder affecting a large population and causing considerable disability. As it is with a lot of other diseases, there is no known cure for IBS but with available treatments, symptoms can be well controlled and patients can be able to lead a normal life. The part of a healthcare facility, for instance, the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata is significant in identifying condition and management plans as required depending on patients. If you are anytime in doubt or have feelings that you are perhaps suffering from IBS, consulting a health care specialist at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata is the best shot towards a healthy stomach.
