How to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most widespread disorder of the digestive system in the general population. The occurrence, symptoms and signs can vary from mild to severe, causing harm to your health. The sickness is characterized by pain, cramping, discomfort, bloating and uneasiness of the GI tract.

This is also called a disorder of gut-brain interaction as it deals with signals between your gut and brain working together. Your digestive tract gets sensitized and there is a change in the bowel muscle contract causing cramps, pain, diarrhea and constipation. The accumulation of excess bacteria in the GI tract can contribute to symptoms of IBS.

Your bowel moment can explain the type of IBS you have:

• IBS with constipation: mostly hard and lumpy stool.

• IBS with diarrhea: watery and loose stool.

• IBS with mixed bowel: constipation and diarrhea on the same day.

Causes of IBS

There are several reasons that causes irritable bowel syndromes. Here are some of the reasons why it happens:

Malfunctioning

It is a condition in which the muscles of the digestive system become weakened, change in speed and lack coordination or stamina in the digestive organs.

Visceral sensitivity

The verge of bearing pain in the internal organs is lowered.

Brain-gut interaction

Confused and poorly coordinated signals between the gut and the brain can result in pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Contractions in muscles of the intestine

The muscles on the walls of the intestine contract as the food moves through the GI tract. When contractions get strong and last long, they cause heaviness, gas and diarrhea. On the other hand, weak contractions will slow down the food passing leading to dry hard stools.

Acute infection

A severe bacterial or viral infection can lead to the development of IBS. This is termed gastroenteritis. Bacterial overgrowth in the intestine can account for IBS. Post-infection of the GI tract can lead to IBS.

Stress

Exposure to stressful episodes and childhood stress can lead to symptoms of IBS.

Alterations in gut microbes

Gut microbes like bacteria fungi and viruses play an important role in maintaining health. Those who are diagnosed with IBS show a different microflora when compared to healthy people. There is a change in the quantity and quality of microflora.

Colon sensitivity

This is due to stress, food, physical stimulation, inflammations, or infections that can sensitize the colon.

Genetic factors

Studies show that the prevalence of IBS has been influenced by genetic factors. Family members of patients undergoing IBS may show similar GI issues.

Serotonin

Serotonin promotes through motility, secretion and visceral sensation in the GI tract.

Symptoms of IBS

• Flatulence

• Experiencing pain in the lower abdomen

• Feeling inflated

• Altered (Hard or loose) bowel moment than usual. This can be based on the volume, consistency and frequency of the patient's stool.

• Constipation and diarrhea

• Mucus in your poop

• Frequency of having a bowel movement

• The sensation of incomplete evacuation

Women on periods experience a flare-up of the symptoms. It can happen repeatedly and can cause stress and pain. Working on how to manage these flare-ups and control the issue can help you mentally and physically.

Diagnosis of IBS

If you have been experiencing symptoms of IBS, immediately contact the nearest health care. Depending on the symptoms you experience, tests will be done. Blood and stool samples will be collected and a test will be performed to confirm IBS. You can follow these simple steps to lower the risk of IBS.

• Change your dietary intake

• Take probiotics

• Exercise to relieve stress

• Drink plenty of water

• There are medicines for the treatment of IBS

• Take them under the guidance and consultation of your physician.

• Anti-spasmodic drugs

• Anti-depressant drugs

• Probiotics

• Antibiotics

• Osmotic laxatives are mostly used for the treatment of constipation

• Anti-diarrheal agents

When to see a doctor

In case the symptoms persist and do not subside, they can lead to serious health issues such as colon cancer. Serious symptoms you need to pay attention to:

• Weight loss

• Diarrhea at night

• Rectal bleeding

• Anemia

• Unexplained vomiting

• Constant pain during flatulence or a bowel movement