Irritable bowel syndrome is a fairly common condition in which a person experiences digestive problems and abdominal pain. In this case, the manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome are similar to the signs of some other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, so to make a diagnosis, the doctor conducts tests to exclude other diseases.
The incidence of intestinal dyskinesia ranges from 20-25%. The age peak is 25-40 years old. In the risk group are women, especially those prone to psychoemotional lability.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. Basically, experts believe that a complex of causes leads to the disease.
Potential causes:
- Genetic predisposition to gastrointestinal disorders;
- Acute intestinal infections;
- Treatment with antibiotics;
- Changes in the composition of the intestinal microflora;
- Psycho-emotional stress;
- Dietary peculiarities: some foods can act as food triggers and provoke an exacerbation of symptoms. These include gluten-containing (e.g., wheat flour products) and dairy products, as well as foods and drinks that cause gas (legumes, flour products, red meat, carbonated drinks, fast food, fruits, mushrooms, beer, kvass, chewing gum);
- Food intolerance: hypersensitivity to or allergy to certain foods.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is accompanied by the same symptoms as many other gastrointestinal diseases, such as pain, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal bloating.
- Abdominal pain and cramps
As a rule, it is not possible to clearly identify the place where pain is felt in the abdomen, but it is more often on the left side. Unpleasant sensations usually increase after eating, as well as during menstruation in women.
- Abdominal bloating
With bloating, the abdomen feels as if it is distended. Discomfort is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, sometimes pain, rumbling, belching or flatulence. In the morning, the unpleasant symptoms are not noticeable, but during the day they increase, especially intensifying after meals.
- Diarrhea
Liquid stools usually occur in the morning, after breakfast. It is often accompanied by persistent urges to defecate, which may be repeated 2-4 times in a short period of time, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel. It is not uncommon for the first visit to the toilet to be thicker than the next time.
- Constipation
Difficulty emptying the bowels is another possible symptom. Usually, the person has to strain a lot to empty the rectum. There may also be a feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely.
Other symptoms may also accompany irritable bowel syndrome:
- excessive gas formation (flatulence);
- mucus production during defecation;
- feeling of fatigue;
- nausea;
- heartburn;
- urinary problems: frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- bowel incontinence – inability to control bowels and defecate only after reaching the toilet;
- pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia);
- migraine;
- soreness or hypersensitivity of muscles and joints (fibromyalgia).
Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome
There is no specific cure for irritable bowel syndrome, but various medications, diet and lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms. As a rule, it takes time for these measures to have a positive effect. In this case, the treatment tactics for each person will differ depending on the type of syndrome, its causes and the condition of the patient.
Diet
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you should change your eating and drinking habits to avoid exacerbation of symptoms.
Dietary recommendations:
- It is important to keep a food diary to note the foods consumed. With its help, the gastroenterologist will be able to determine which of them cause an exacerbation;
- Meals should be regular and at a designated time. It is undesirable to eat in a hurry or while working;
- Meals should not be skipped;
- Avoid long breaks between meals;
- If you have diarrheal or mixed irritable bowel syndrome, you should avoid eating gluten if possible. However, it is important to be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure your body is getting enough fiber, key vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium;
- You should drink plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day. It helps to improve constipation, as sufficient water makes the stools softer.
Lifestyle
Moderate physical activity helps to alleviate major symptoms.
Lifestyle recommendations:
- You should exercise regularly, preferably at least 150 minutes a week. For example, you can spend 30 minutes each day walking, cycling or exercising in the morning;
- It is helpful to try relaxation techniques. For example, daily yoga and meditation can help relieve tension and make you feel better;
- It is important to get enough sleep. Quality sleep can be achieved by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, with 7-9 hours of sleep each night;
- It is recommended to keep an activity diary to record activities that help reduce symptoms. Your doctor can help you evaluate your results.
Psychotherapy
Many people are useful to consult a psychotherapist, since painful sensations and stool disorders often develop against a background of stress, constant anxiety and depression.
The most effective is considered to be cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy – a technique that aims to work with the thinking of a person to correct his behavior and thereby improve the emotional state. Hypnotherapy implies influence at the unconscious level: hypnotic suggestion is given with the attitude to normalize intestinal motility, reduce pain and discomfort.
Conclusion
While irritable bowel syndrome can be a challenging and discomforting condition, it is manageable with the right combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological support. Identifying food triggers, staying physically active, practicing stress-relief techniques, and seeking professional treatment are key steps in controlling symptoms. Since irritable bowel syndrome varies from person to person, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a tailored approach that promotes long-term relief and improved quality of life.
