Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

This pain typically presents as a cramp or dull ache in the lower abdomen, ranging from mild to severe. Typically, individuals experience relief after passing stool or gas.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Individuals with IBS may experience changes in bowel habits, including episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two. In addition, there may be increased stool frequency.

Bloating

People with IBS often experience feeling bloated, which is a sensation of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdominal area. This may worsen throughout the day and is commonly accompanied by excess gas and discomfort.

A Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movements

Many individuals frequently describe a persistent sense of incomplete bowel movements following restroom use.

Changes in Stool Consistency

This can manifest as stools that are hard and lumpy, loose and watery, or a combination of both within a short period. The stool may also be mixed with a mucus-like substance that appears whitish.

Abnormal Gut Motility

This refers to the dysfunction of the digestive system, in which an individual's intestinal muscles may contract too fast or too slowly or cause food to move backwards.

Sensitive Nervous System

Nerve problems within the gastrointestinal tract can lead to discomfort as the belly expands due to gas or faecal matter. When the communication between the brain and the bowels is out of sync, the body may excessively respond to normal digestive fluctuations, resulting in symptoms like pain, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Environmental Factors

A variety of factors, including dietary choices, air quality, and lifestyle habits, can have a significant impact on gut health. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption can also trigger IBS symptoms.

Stress

Individuals with stress, depression, and anxiety may cause gastrointestinal reactions and exacerbate IBS symptoms. This direct link is called the brain-gut connection and includes various physical factors, such as hormonal changes, as well as emotional or psychological stressors.

Infections

IBS can develop after an episode of severe diarrhoea caused by a bacterial or viral infection known as gastroenteritis. Similarly, IBS can be caused by an excessive amount of bacteria within the intestines (bacterial overgrowth).

Medical History Review

The doctor will gather a comprehensive medical history, including symptoms, duration, triggers, family history of gastrointestinal diseases, and existing medical conditions.

Physical Examination

This is performed to inspect the abdomen and surrounding areas for physical signs and to eliminate other potential causes of the symptoms.

Symptom Assessment

The doctor diagnoses IBS using the Rome IV Criteria. These criteria require experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort at least once a week for three months. The pain should be linked to defecation or changes in stool frequency or consistency.

Stool Test

This test helps to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions that may be causing IBS symptoms. It can also identify the presence of blood in the stool.

Hydrogen Breath Test

This test detects certain digestive disorders, such as lactose and/or fructose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth, which can cause IBS symptoms.

Colonoscopy

This test examines the large intestine and rectum to look for signs of inflammation and polyps, or to detect more severe conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

Dietary Changes

The doctor may suggest avoiding certain carbohydrates and foods that are poorly absorbed by the gut and can cause bloating, gas, and pain.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the severity of IBS symptoms. These include regular physical activities, adequate rest, and managing stress levels effectively.