Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestine disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome affects the large intestine. IBS has long-term treatment and effects on the sufferer. 

People who have IBS experience cramping, abdominal pain and feel bloated. The most common complaint is the constant switch between diarrhoea and constipation. Fortunately, IBS doesn’t increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

The MayoClinic reports that people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counselling.

Symptoms

There are ways to reduce your symptoms. IBS may be worse or better every day, but it does not get worse over time. Inflammatory bowel disease or cancer cannot be caused by IBS.

There are different causes for different people. It may be the way signals are sent between the brain and your digestive tract. It could also be problems when digesting food, stress or anxiety. 

People with IBS usually have sensitive intestines or problems with how the muscles of the intestines move. Certain foods, hormonal foods and some antibiotics may also trigger pain and other symptoms if you have IBS. 

IBS is common but not commonly treated. There are no structural problems in the intestine of people with IBS. People may think the symptoms “are all in their head”. This, however, is not true. 

The treatment and preventive measures are similar for a person with IBS or at a higher risk. 

Maintain a gluten-free diet

Gluten is a protein found in wheat. It can cause irritation and illness to those who are sensitive to it, as well as those with Celiac disease. 

Other dietary options include decreasing the ingestion of lactose. This is found in dairy. Add more soluble fibres to your diet, specifically Psyllium. This is often used in laxatives. Avoid too much fructose, which can be found in fruits and honey. Use fewer sweeteners and reduce carbohydrates. 

For constipation, whole-grain bread, cereals, beans, and vegetables will boost your fibre intake, according to WebMD. Eat a moderate amount of dried plums and drink prune juice. These are higher in the sugar substitute, sorbitol. Drink a lot of water every day.

Exercise on a daily basis

Physical activity lessens current IBS symptoms. 

Deep breathing and yoga may lead to more regular bowel activity. You must breathe from your diaphragm to relax your abdominal muscles. 

Avoid stress triggers 

Stress does not cause IBS, but it does exacerbate the symptoms. Work, your commute, problems at home, money problems and a sense that you are not in control can heighten your stress levels. 

To reduce your stress, make sure to get regular exercise and enough sleep. Do fun things like listening to music, read, shop and go for a walk. 

There is a better way to calm yourself down. Try behavioural therapy, such as relaxation therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and psychotherapy. 

Progressive relaxation is a stress soother that will help you relax better. Relaxed muscles can help to alleviate an upset stomach. This form of relaxation starts by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your feet. It must continue to your calves, thighs, abdomen, arms and every main muscle group. You will end the process with your face and scalp.

Try to talk to family members or close friends about what you are going through. The more the people around know about IBS, the better they can understand what you are going through.

A psychiatrist will help you beat stress by analysing how you respond to life events. The specialist will be able to guide you towards more effective ways to respond. 

Medication must be taken as prescribed.

Your doctor will prescribe antispasmodics for diarrhoea and probiotics or laxatives for constipation. This does depend on your symptoms. Antidepressants may also be prescribed, but first, discuss them openly with your doctor. This may relieve overall symptoms. 

Menstruation with IBS

Women tend to suffer worse during their periods. IBS adds to the pain and discomfort during that time of the month. 

Consider taking birth control pills. This will help to regulate your periods. However, there are possible side effects. The effects include vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Your healthcare worker will work with you to find the birth control pills for you. 

Severe PMS can be treated by depression medication. This includes fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline. 

These tips may not bring instant relief, but they can result in long-term solutions over time. Try different techniques to ease stress and improve your diet. Healthy choices will help you control your condition. 

But there are several conditions that affect the digestive system. 

Celiac Disease

Most commonly known of all the digestive diseases is celiac disease, which started the ‘No Gluten’ craze, which dominated the diet scene of the early 2000s. Before riding, the no gluten wave was dismissed as a trendy, Hollywood way of eating, but recent studies have shown the negative effects of gluten on the small intestine, especially for those who suffer from celiac disease. 

Eating gluten triggers an immune response in the body, causing inflammation and damage to the small intestine. It’s estimated that celiac disease affects nearly 1% of the population in the United States, explains Healthline.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s most commonly affects the terminal ileum. The terminal ileum connects the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon. The disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, explains Everyday Health. Crohn’s disease is part of a group of digestive conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The direct cause of Crohn’s is still unknown, though it is believed to be genetic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever.

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