Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, in English, what are the causes of it, and is there a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome? What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome may feel less able to participate in daily activities.

Most people with irritable bowel syndrome experience times when symptoms are severe, and other times when they improve or disappear completely. What are the causes of irritable bowel syndrome?

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but the following factors may play a role in the development of the disease:

• Intestinal muscle contractions: The walls of the intestine are lined with layers of muscle that contract as food is transported through the digestive system. Strong contractions may lead to a buildup of gas and diarrhea, while weak contractions slow the passage of food and constipation.

• Nervous system: Changes in the nerves of your digestive system can lead to your body overreacting to changes in your digestive system, causing pain, constipation or diarrhea.

• Inflammation of the intestine: Some people with IBS have an increased number of immune system cells in their gut, and the immune system response is usually associated with pain and diarrhea.

• Severe infection: IBS can develop after a severe episode of diarrhea caused by bacteria or viruses.

• Change in gut bacteria (microflora): Microflora is the beneficial bacteria found in the intestine. Research indicates that the microflora in patients with IBS may differ from bacteria in healthy people.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms of IBS vary, but the most common include:

• Abdominal pain.

• Bloating.

• Diarrhea, constipation, or both.

• Cramps in the lower half of the abdomen.

Usually, many things cause IBS symptoms, including certain foods, medications, and stress. You will need to know what triggers your illness to be able to better control your disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Food: Food allergies to certain foods in the case of IBS are not fully understood, because true food allergies rarely cause IBS.

  However, many people experience worsening symptoms when they consume certain foods or beverages such as: dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and soft drinks.

• Stress: Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients suffer from worse symptoms during periods of stress, but while stress worsens symptoms, it does not cause them.

• Hormones: Studies indicate that women are most susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, so some believe that hormones play a role in the development of the disease.

How to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome

There are no specific lab tests that can diagnose IBS.

Your doctor will see if you have IBS symptoms and may order some tests, such as:

• blood test.

• Stool examination.

• Lactose sensitivity test.

• X ray.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

All IBS patients can receive treatment, but there is no one treatment that fits all, and you and your doctor will need to work together to find the right treatment plan for you.

Antibiotics, diarrhea medication, and constipation medications are often used as treatments for IBS, so don't hesitate to consult your doctor to determine medication.

Usually, with some basic changes in your diet, the disease will improve over time, and here are some tips to reduce symptoms:

• Avoid caffeine (in coffee, tea, and soft drinks).

• Add more fiber to your diet like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Drink at least three to four glasses of water a day.

• Stay away from smoking.

• Eat smaller meals.

• Record the foods you eat, so you can know which foods trigger IBS attacks.

Prevention of irritable bowel syndrome

You can't prevent irritable bowel syndrome, but being healthy with yourself may help relieve symptoms and may extend the time between attacks.

Self-care includes: quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine, foods that worsen symptoms, and exercising regularly.

Since there are no structural problems in the intestines of people with IBS, some people may think that the symptoms they feel are a figment of their imagination. This is not true, the pain, discomfort, and bloating are all real. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.