What you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Concerned about the amount of wind you're passing or the constant cramps, constipation or diarrhoea that's been plaguing you?  

Chances are you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).   As many as 15% of adults experience IBS at some stage, but many go undiagnosed because their bowel shows no indication of any damage or disease when examined. 

So what is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?  

If you have recurrent upper and lower gastrointestinal tract discomfort and abdominal pain with symptoms of constipation, diarrhoea or both at least once every ten days, then you may have IBS. 

The condition is fairly common, although often not diagnosed.  It is believed that as many as 1 in 7 people in Australia suffer this condition, which can mean chronic and constant symptoms for some. 

Women are three times more likely to suffer IBS than men and the condition is exacerbated around menstruation.  While symptoms and severity differ from person to person, some common indications are:

• Nausea
• Excess gas/wind
• Bowels never feel fully emptied after going to the toilet
• Mucus in stools
• An urgent need to get to the toilet quickly
• Abdominal pain, bloating and cramping relieved by going to the toilet or passing wind
• Changes in bowel habits either constipation, diarrhoea or both

These symptoms may also include and are sometimes brought on by the above symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Indigestion and burping
• Headaches especially with constipation
• Poor appetite
• Back pain
• Problems with your bladder

There are three diagnoses of Irritable Bowel Syndrome which include:

1. IBS with constipation - Symptoms include stomach pain and discomfort, bloating, gas and infrequent or abnormally irregular bowel movements with lumpy or hard stools
2. IBS with d diarrhoea - This condition also includes stomach pain and discomfort, an urgent need to go to the toilet, abnormal frequent bowel movements with water or loose stools.
3. IBS with alternating constipation and diarrhoea as described in the above two types of IBS

Causes of IBS

While it was initially believed to be a combination of physical and mental issues, such as stress or anxiety, doctors now agree that while emotional stress may irritate or worsen IBS symptoms, they are not causative.  

There is no known specific cause for IBS, but it is believed to be a combination of:

• Genetics
• A higher sensitivity to the gases inside the bowel
• Persistent and stronger contractions of the muscles lining the bowel
• Infection - people are more susceptible to IBS if they have had gastroenteritis previously
• Dietary Intolerances i.e. sugar lactose that is present in dairy products and most processed food

Treating IBS

Unfortunately there is no known cure for IBS. Sufferers may experience symptoms for a short time only, where others will live with chronic symptoms.  However, research has found that avoiding certain foods and medications may assist in the management and severity of IBS.  The following is a list of foods and medications to avoid that can irritate and/or trigger symptoms:

• Alcohol 
• Coffee
• Carbohydrates
• Spicy foods and fatty foods
• Dairy products
• Caffeine in Green Tea taken in large amounts can worsen diarrhoea and symptoms of IBS
• Antibiotics
• Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
• Ibuprofen

Suspect you have IBS? Keep a journal of your symptoms and note any food or medications you have had at times symptoms appear. Learning relaxation techniques and stress management will also help as will good sleep routine.

Don't suffer in silence with your IBS or feel that medication is the only light at the end of the tunnel. There are some very natural ways we can help you identify your triggers, reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life without any added side effects.

Call us today on (07) 5525 2211 to make an appointment with one of our highly experienced naturopaths and get back on the path to health and wellness.