What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complaint we all know.
For practical purposes, IBS can be defined as a combination of symptoms which may include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal spasms, fullness or some combination.
Quick Facts
- Prevalence: The condition affects an estimated 10–15% of the adult population worldwide — approximately 600–900 million people.
- Impact: IBS sufferers are often confused, frustrated, annoyed and worried.
- Risk: IBS does not cause physical damage or increase the risk of more serious conditions.
Searching the web may give us a lot of ideas, but also presents another problem… too much information.
Even worse, we may – out of desperation – fall prey to every scheme, quick fix and terrible suggestion that the web can offer. Wasting time, money, and peace of mind.
One of the biggest questions I have noticed in our clinic – it is not so much the symptoms… but what is causing the symptoms? Should I be worried?
So,,,, Let’s go over the basics of IBS.
Key Characteristics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Symptoms: IBS involves some combination of abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits like diarrhea, constipation, or both.
- Functional changes: While the digestive tract appears normal, its function is disrupted. There is something wrong with how our body is processing foods.
- No Damage: IBS does not cause physical damage or increase the risk of more serious conditions. It is mainly just annoying and inconvenient.
Types of IBS
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| IBS-C (Constipation) | Characterized by hard, lumpy stools |
| IBS-D (Diarrhea) | Characterized by loose, watery stools |
| IBS-M (Mixed) | Includes both hard/lumpy and loose/watery stools |
Thinking About Causes
When symptoms are severe, the mind starts racing and of course, we imagine the worst possible causes.
The unknowing can be mentally draining.
In fact, the psychological toll of not knowing what is causing IBS may be worse than the actual condition!
So… the list of conditions that cause IBS-like symptoms is very long and too long to list here.
Fortunately, with just a few tests, we can almost always determine the cause of IBS.
And… it is truly a relief to get real answers.
Triggers
Try to identify if certain things can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms:
- Stress and anxiety – is it the stress itself, or the negative things people do because they are stressed?
- Certain foods – triggers vary but commonly include fatty foods, dairy, gluten, desserts, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners
- Hormonal changes – e.g., during menstruation
- Recent antibiotics – very commonly associated with a change in bowel function
- Recent illness (GI bug) – viruses can wreck intestinal absorption for a brief period or permanently
Management
Fortunately, IBS is very manageable. Most patients can eliminate almost all of these symptoms for good.
There is no reason you should put up with IBS.
But You Need a Plan!!
Our Process
- Medical Evaluation – team led by board certified gastroenterologist MD
- Gut Health Testing – Functional Medicine
- Nutrition Coaching – with Registered Dietitian, lifelong diet and lifestyle plan
We can help – make an appointment with Neighborhood Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
Best of Health
Dr. Lyday
