Some other symptoms that a person suffering from IBS might experience include:

• ● Cramping
• ● Muscle pain
• ● Mucus in stools
• ● A sensation of incomplete bowel movement
• ● Diarrhoea/constipation
• ● Gas and flatulence
• ● Dyspepsia
• ● Vomiting
• ● Food intolerance
• ● Difficulty in passing stools
• ● Fatigue and difficulty in sleeping

Although the exact cause of IBS is not known, factors that may play a role include:

• ● Abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract movements
• ● Sensory and motor disorder in the colons
• ● Dietary allergies and food sensitivities
• ● Stress
• ● Neurological distress
• ● Brain and gut axis dysregulation
• ● Decreased serotonin level
• ● Changes in gut microbes
• ● Muscle contractions in the intestine
• ● Psychological factors

There is no clear diagnostic marker for IBS, so diagnosis depends on positive clinical tests and ruling it out by careful observation and investigation. According to the Consensus Statement of the American Gastroenterological Association (CSAGA), the diagnosis of IBS should be based upon the positive symptoms consistent with the condition and exclude other conditions with similar symptoms and signs.

Effective diagnosis of IBS can be made using Rome III criteria. This involves the absence of red flag signs, supportive enzymes, which include defection staining, the urgency of feeling incomplete bowel movement, passing mucus, and bloating.

 

Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least three days/month in the last three months, associated with two or more of the following:

1. Changes in the frequency of stool
2. Change in the form or appearance of stool

 

Red flag signs and symptoms for the diagnosis of IBS
Some signs and symptoms that indicate IBA are:

1. Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
2. Rectal bleeding
3. Anaemia
4. Inflammatory masses for inflammatory bowel disease
5. Abdominal masses

 

Investigation to rule out organic causes
To diagnose IBS, the doctor may ask to undergo the following tests:

1. Complete blood count (CBC) test
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
3. C-reactive protein (CRP)measure

 

Lab tests to identify IBS

1. Stool examination to detect parasites
2. Antibodies for coeliac disease
3. Hydrogen breath test

 

Additional tests to diagnose IBS

1. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test examines the lower part of the colon (sigmoid) with a flexible tube-like device called a sigmoidoscope.
2. Computerised tomography (CT) scans: CT scan provides the cross-sectional image of the internal organ.
3. Colonoscopy

Doctors may treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by recommending changes in diet, and other lifestyle changes, medicine, probiotics, and mental health therapies. The patient may have to try a few of the best IBS treatment in Bangalore at Smiles Gastroenterology to see what works best for them.

Therapeutic approach
The therapeutic approach to treat IBS involves identifying associated factors and treatment. The associated factors include:

• ● Stress
• ● Anxiety
• ● Social phobia
• ● Depression
• ● Panic disorder
• ● Substance abuse

 

Dietary modifications

• ● Elimination of items that appear to produce symptoms, such as gas-forming food (lentils, beans, legumes)
• ● Reducing intake of Low FODMAP (Fermentable oligo Di Mono-saccharide And Polyols) carbs. These are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
• ● Consumption of a high fibre diet may improve symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea.
• ● Limitation of alcohol and caffeine consumption.

 

Pharmacological therapies for the treatment of IBS
Based on the signs and symptoms of IBS, the following medicines may be suggested:

• ● Antispasmodics – These are the drugs that are used to treat muscle spasm caused by IBS. Dicyclomine, Hyoscine N- butyl bromide and peppermint oil are some of the examples of antispasmodic drugs.
• ● Tricyclic antidepressant – Tricyclic antidepressants are drugs that are used to treat depression. Imipramine and Amitriptyline are examples of antidepressants.
• ● Antidiarrheal drugs – Antidiarrheal drugs are used to delay faecal transit and increase colonic sedimentation contractions. Loperamide, Cholestyramine resin are examples of antidiarrheal drugs.
• ● Probiotics – Probiotics are live microorganisms that help to restore intestinal floras and help in the digestive process. Although they have been associated with the improvement of symptoms, benefits, and the efficacy of the strains is uncertain.
• ● Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – SSRIs are a class of drugs that are used for their antidepressant and analgesic properties to treat IBS. Fluoxetine and Sertraline are examples of SSRIs.
• ● Anticholinergic medication – Medicines like dicyclomine (Bentyl) can help reduce painful bowel spasms. Dicyclomine is mostly prescribed for patients who experience bouts of diarrhea. It is generally safe but may cause constipation, blurred vision, and dry mouth.
• ● Medication specifically designed to treat IBS
  1. ● Lotronex is used to treat severe diarrhoea.
  2. ● Eluxadoline is also used to treat diarrhea-predominant IBS
  3. ● Lubiprostone is used to treat chronic constipation and IBS disorder.

In most irritable bowel syndrome cases, people can control their symptoms by managing their diet, changing their lifestyle, and reducing stress. Others will need medication and counseling. The treatment for IBS is medicine, and surgery is not a viable choice.

Risk factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome include:

• ● Gender – IBS is nearly twice as common in female as male
• ● Environmental factors
• ● Genetic factors
• ● Bacterial outgrowth
• ● Food intolerance/sensitivities
• ● Altered hormone regulation

IBS is a chronic condition, so it may not go away completely. However, medication and lifestyle changes can help to manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks.

There is no evidence that IBS progresses to any other diseases or causes any complications outside the regular symptoms.

Lactose intolerance can cause signs and symptoms similar to IBS. But they are separate conditions that are treated differently.

Stress contributes to almost all disorders, not just IBS. Stress elicits an unconscious secretion or over-secretion of multiple stress hormones. These stress hormones, in turn, hinder normal gastrointestinal functions and may cause IBS.

No, there are no particular tests for IBS. In general, tests are done to rule out other disorders that are causing symptoms.

The opposite is true, although IBS is common in old age. The nerve sensitivity within the digestive system may increase with age, reducing the overall risk or alleviating symptoms of IBS.