April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) awareness month. IBS is common and it affects between 10-15% of the general population (Awareness Days, 2021). IBS is a condition that effects the digestive system and can be associated with many symptoms.
IBS is considered a long-term condition and can wax and wane over time.
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| • | Abdominal pain |
| • | Diarrhea |
| • | Constipation |
| • | Bloating |
| • | Cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement |
| • | Changes in appearance of bowel movement |
| • | Changes in how often you are having a bowel movement (Mayo Clinic, 2021) |
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These risk factors put you at increased risk of developing IBS:
| • | If you are under the age of 50 you are at increased risk of IBS |
| • | Female |
| • | Family history of IBS |
| • | Anxiety disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2021) |
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When to see a health professional
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Most people, at one time or another, have experienced the symptoms of IBS. However, if the symptoms persist or if there is a change to your bowel habits, you should make an appointment with your health care provider because it may be an indication of IBS or a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.
More-serious signs and symptoms include:
| • | Weight loss |
| • | Diarrhea at night |
| • | Rectal bleeding |
| • | Iron deficiency anemia |
| • | Unexplained vomiting |
| • | Difficulty swallowing |
| • | Persistent pain that isn't relieved by-passing gas or a bowel movement (Awareness Days, 2021). |
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IBS is chronic and can change over time, which makes it hard to treat. Getting an accurate diagnosis of IBS is the first step in finding the appropriate treatment. Treatment is dependent upon symptoms severity. A cornerstone of treatment for IBS includes healthy eating, exercise, good hydration and adequate sleep. Making sure that the majority of food eaten is homemade or fresh. Processed foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, eating too quickly or long breaks between meals have been shown to flare IBS symptoms (Awareness Days, 2021).
Also, keeping a food diary is essential for IBS. A food diary allows the healthcare provider and the IBS sufferer a better understanding of what triggers symptoms. Other treatment options can include fiber supplementation, IBS specific medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (if there is an anxiety trigger piece), and low dose antidepressants (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
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The exact cause for IBS is unknown and research is ongoing. There is no one size fits all treatment for IBS. But there are ways to improve your symptoms and feel better. If you think you may have IBS contact your healthcare provider but also consider making lifestyle changes.
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