Symptoms Of Ibs
Last Updated: Apr 09, 2020
One of the three main types of disorders is diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This condition affects n one-third of the patients who are suffering from the IBS. An immediate or sudden urge to have a bowel movement can be due to the accelerated bowel transit. It is described as a significant source of stress in some of the patients. the people start avoiding the social gathering due to the fear of diarrhea. The stool may be watery and loose and might also have mucus in it.
Constipation
IBS can cause both diarrhea and constipation. The most common type of IBS affecting n 50% of the patient is constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Any alteration in the communication between the bowel and the brain may slow or speed up the stool transit time. the bowel absorbs more water from the stool when the transit time slows down resulting in difficulty in passing the stool. Constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome often gives a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. This leads to the straining unnecessarily. A doctor may prescribe some medications based on the severity of the constipation.
Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
N 20 percent of the patient suffering from the condition of irritable bowel syndrome have mixed or altering diarrhea and constipation. Diarrhea and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome involves recurring and severe pain in the abdominal area. The clue related to the changes in the bowel movement is not due to diet or infection is given by the pain. The symptoms associated with mixed IBS are different in every individual.
Changes in Bowel Movements
As the intestine absorbs water due to slow movement of stool in the intestines it often becomes dehydrated. This leads to the creation of hard stool which indicates the symptoms of constipation. When there is a swift movement of stool in the intestine there no time for the absorption of water resulting in the stool being loose in characteristic. Mucus can also get accumulated in the stool due to the irritable bowel syndrome. If there is blood in the stool then it might be indicating some other serious medical condition.
Gas and Bloating
A lot more gas is produced due to irritable bowel syndrome due to an altered digestion. This leads to the condition of bloating in the patient. majority of the patients suffering from the condition of irritable bowel syndrome can identify with the symptom of bloating and gas. In a study it was noted that n 83% of the patient suffer from the condition of gas and bloating. A doctor may prescribe some medications to alleviate the symptom.
Food Intolerance
N 73% of the patient suffering from irritable bowel syndrome report that this condition occurs due to some food triggers. Majority of the people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome avoid specific foods. Why the symptoms are triggered by these food products is not clear. The intolerance of food product is not allergies as the food which trigger IBS do not cause any difference in the digestion which can be measured.
Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping
It has been reported that n half of the patients suffering from the condition of irritable bowel syndrome experience fatigue. As per one of the study people with IBS have low stamina which has limited their physical work, social interaction and leisure. Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with insomnia as well. This means a person might have difficulty in sleeping.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is not clear whether the symptoms of IBS are an expression of mental disorder or is it the other way round. Digestive irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety reinforce one another in a cycle that is vicious. Doctor may prescribe some of the medications based on the severity of the condition. The doctor may recommend antidepressants or anxiety reduction therapy to alleviate the symptom.
References
- Jones M, Koloski N, Boyce P, Talley NJ. Pathways connecting cognitive behavioral therapy and change in bowel symptoms of IBS. Journal of psychosomatic research. 2011 Mar 1;70(3):278-85. [Cited 06 April 2020]. Available from:
- Pimentel M, Chow EJ, Lin HC. Eradication of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The American journal of gastroenterology. 2000 Dec 1;95(12):3503-6. [Cited 06 April 2020]. Available from:
- Isgar B, Harman M, Kaye MD, Whorwell PJ. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in ulcerative colitis in remission. Gut. 1983 Mar 1;24(3):190-2. [Cited 06 April 2020]. Available from:
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