IBS: the symptoms, causes and treatment

April is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. It's a condition that affects the digestive system and symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.

A lot of people who suffer from the condition often don’t seek medical attention, possibly due to waving it off as a weak stomach or maybe due to embarrassment but there is help available. Cork GP and health blogger, Dr Doireann O’Leary, spoke to the Cork Independent to give advice to anyone who suspects they might have IBS and what they can do:

Who does it affect?

IBS affects approximately ten to 15 per cent of the population. It’s more common in women than men.

What are the symptoms?

Crampy abdominal pain is common for IBS sufferers. It’s oftentimes made worse by some food triggers or emotional stress. It may or may not be relieved by passing a bowel motion. Bloating is also a bothersome symptom. Some patients report diarrhoea and it typically occurs after meals. Mucus may also be present in the stool but blood is not associated with IBS.

Whilst some patients may suffer from diarrhoea predominant IBS, some may suffer from constipation predominance. Some patients will alter between the two and a feeling of incomplete emptying may also occur.

Is there a test for IBS?

There is no specific test. IBS is a 'diagnosis of exclusion'. This means that all other causes of abdominal symptoms are ruled out first i.e. conditions like coeliac disease, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis must be ruled out first. When you go to your doctor to report your symptoms a detailed history will be taken, paying attention to family history, stool frequency and consistency (normal topic of conversation for doctors!) and identifying important symptoms like passing blood or weight loss.

What causes it?

The exact cause of IBS is not very well known but it is thought to be due to a hypersensitive bowel that overreacts to certain foods.

 

What is the treatment?

 

Keeping a diary of your diet, lifestyle and bowel symptoms can be useful in identifying your triggers and thus knowing what to avoid. Keeping active is also important for overall physical and mental health and plays a key role in the management of IBS.

Psychological stress can have very real physical manifestations and can undoubtedly cause IBS to worsen.

Again, exercise is a good stress reliever. Over the counter remedies like Zenflore can also help. Probiotics also play an important role in IBS. Alflorex is one of the top probiotics prescribed by gastroenterologists for IBS management.

Common dietary triggers include gas producing foods like beans, onions, celery, and carrots. Lactose can also be difficult for IBS sufferers to tolerate. Gluten can also be bothersome even for people who don’t have coeliac disease and non coeliac gluten sensitivity is now being recognised amongst gastroenterologists.

A low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols) diet can also be very beneficial for symptomatic relief. FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are found in some foods. High FODMAP foods include apples and pears. Talk to your GP about a dietician referral for more information about FODMAPs.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms make an appointment to see your GP.