Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects a large number of people around the world. It is characterized by the presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bloating and discomfort, which can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS symptoms can vary from person to person, and can also fluctuate in intensity over time. The most common include:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of IBS. It can manifest itself in different ways, such as cramps, twinges or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, and tends to be relieved or worse after eating or defecating. This pain may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Changes in bowel habits
People with IBS may experience changes in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. Some patients have frequent diarrhea, while others suffer from constipation. Sometimes, periods of constipation can alternate with episodes of diarrhea, which is known as mixed IBS.
Bloating and discomfort
Abdominal bloating is another common symptom of IBS, which It may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or abdominal distention. This bloating usually worsens throughout the day and improves at night, and may be related to the accumulation of gas in the intestine.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Despite Although it is a widely studied gastrointestinal disorder, the exact causes of IBS are still not completely clear. IBS is considered to be a multifactorial disorder in which various factors are involved, including:
Intestinal motor dysfunction
One of the most accepted theories about the cause of IBS is motor dysfunction. of the intestine, which results in alterations in intestinal movements and contractions. This can cause changes in the speed with which food moves through the intestine, contributing to the characteristic symptoms of this disorder.
Visceral hypersensitivity
It is believed that People with IBS may have increased sensitivity to normal gut sensations, such as bloating or the movement of food through the intestine. This makes them perceive pain and discomfort more intensely, which contributes to the appearance of symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Psychological and emotional factors
The factors Psychological and emotional disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can also play an important role in the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. These conditions can influence intestinal motility, pain perception and inflammatory response, thus contributing to the symptomatology of the disorder.
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The diagnosis of IBS It is based mainly on the evaluation of the patient's symptoms, as well as the exclusion of other possible causes of them. There is no specific test to diagnose IBS, so the doctor usually takes a detailed clinical history and performs complementary tests to rule out other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.
Diagnostic criteria
To establish a diagnosis of IBS, the Rome criteria are often used, which are a set of clinical guidelines that help define and classify functional gastrointestinal disorders. These criteria are based on the presence of specific symptoms, such as recurrent abdominal pain at least once a week in the last three months, associated with two or more of the following symptoms: relief with defecation, onset associated with a change in frequency of bowel movements, or onset associated with a change in the form of bowel movements.
Additional tests
In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the patient's symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, food intolerance tests, endoscopies, colonoscopies or other imaging tests to evaluate the condition of the intestine and rule out the presence of other diseases.
Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and improving patients' quality of life, since there is no definitive cure for this disorder. The therapeutic approach may include changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as the use of medications to control more bothersome symptoms.
Diet modification
Some people with IBS They find relief from their symptoms by following a specific diet, such as the low-FODMAP diet, which restricts certain fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger symptoms in sensitive people. Additionally, it is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, drink enough water and avoid foods that trigger individual symptoms.
Stress Management
Since stress is a common trigger factor of IBS symptoms, managing stress and anxiety can be key in the treatment of this disorder. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques, meditation, mindfulness or regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
Medicines
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications to control symptoms of IBS, such as antispasmodics to relieve abdominal pain, mild laxatives for constipation, or medications to reduce intestinal overactivity in cases of diarrhea. Probiotics can also be used to regulate intestinal flora.
Conclusions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Although the exact causes of IBS are not completely understood, it is known that genetic, environmental, dietary and psychological factors are involved in its development and exacerbation.
The diagnosis of IBS is based on the evaluation of the patient's symptoms. and exclusion of other possible causes, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life through dietary modifications, stress management, and, in some cases, the use of medications. It is essential that people with IBS work closely with their medical team to find a personalized treatment plan to help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.