Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as IBS and it is a common condition that affects the digestive system, it is accompanied by indigestion, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, feeling as if you’re unable to empty your bowels completely during bowel movement.
For women with IBS, it can occur during menstruation. It can last for days or weeks or months, it is usually a lifelong problem. Only very few people have severe symptoms and signs of IBS, some can actually control their symptoms by managing diet, stress and also their lifestyle.
Please, it is good to note that IBS itself doesn’t cause changes in bowel tissue and it doesn’t increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Signs And Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrom
Signs and symptoms of this disease vary from person to person but it is usually present there for a very long time the most common ones are:
a) Bloating, abdominal pain and also cramping that can be related to passing a bowel movement
b) Changes in the appearance of the bowel movement
c) Changes in the frequency and how often you have a bowel movement
Other symptoms that can be related to IBS include bloating, mucus in the stool and also increased gas.
Major Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It is worthy to note that the precise cause of IBS isn’t known but there are some factors that play a major role in causing IBS and they include:
1) Severe Infection:
IBS can develop after a serious case of gastroenteritis(diarrhoea) which is normally caused by a virus or a bacteria. IBS can also be associated with a high presence of bacteria in the intestines(overgrowth of bacteria).
2) Muscle contractions: Muscle contractions in the intestines can also cause IBS. The walls of the intestines are usually lined with some layers of muscles that contract as they move food from your digestive tract, if the contractions are stronger and last more than they should then this will cause gas, diarrhoea and also bloating. When the intestinal contractions are also weak, it will lead to slow passage of food and thereby cause hard and dry stool.
3) Stress: People who are exposed to stress especially early in their childhood tend to have more symptoms of IBS.
If you suffer from IBS here is a list of Dos and Don’ts :
1) Be vigilant, note foods that trigger your symptoms and avoid them.
2) Eat foods high in fibre
3) Drink plenty of water
4) Get enough sleep regularly
5) Exercise daily
6) Avoid carbonated drinks, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, fatty or fried foods, artificial sweeteners, and chewing gum. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid late-night meals.
7) Quit smoking
8) If your symptoms are serious consult a physician.
