Everything About Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

• Written by Mudit Handa

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It is very rightly said– “Hurry, curry, and worry lead to peptic ulcers”. Despite knowing, today’s fast-moving generation is frenzied to attain success, neglecting concern for well-being. Poor lifestyle, deficiency in vital nutrients, long working hours and stress have led to several lifestyle diseases.

One of the most commonly experienced diseases is irritable bowel syndrome, whose symptoms are reported by a large portion of India's working population. The Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association has reported that 4.2% to 7.5% of Indians suffer from irritable bowel disease symptoms. It is prevalent in both men and women.

If you are constantly facing problems like constipation, gas or diarrhoea, it may be a sign that you might be having bowel syndrome symptoms.

This article will shed some light on the causes, symptoms and treatment of irritable bowel disease.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the colon. It is characterised by symptoms like muscle cramp in stomach, abdominal pain, bloating and excessive flatulence. More severe symptoms include constipation and diarrhoea, often both at the same time.

How Will I Know If I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

You can easily perceive that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain with bloating
• Persisting constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Excessive gas
• Mucus in your stools

What are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Females?

Though irritable bowel movement impacts both men and women similarly, research has found that it can be more disturbing for women whose bodies are designed to perform various functions. While the common symptoms mentioned above are similar in both men and women, some women might also complain about–

• More Severe Pain: Women suffering from irritable bowel movement may report more severe pain in the abdomen. This may aggravate during their menstrual cycles.
• Variations with Menstrual Cycles: Severe pain due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome during menstruation can trigger hormonal fluctuations. This can worsen the condition and cause increased bloating, constipation or diarrhoea during periods.
• Greater Impact on Quality of Life: Medical research also suggests that Irritable Bowel Syndrome may further impact a woman's emotional well-being and daily activities. Some women experience anxiety and nervousness related to flatulence during irritable bowel movements.

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. However, several factors contribute towards this disease. These include:

• Muscle stiffness in the intestine, causing spasms.
• Nervous system malfunctioning
• Some severe infections, such as urinary tract infections,
• Specific imbalances in gut microbes may also be responsible for IBS.
• Besides, stress and unhealthy and contaminated food can also trigger irritable bowel disease symptoms.

What is the Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. You may be able to treat your IBS by making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet high in fibre
• Avoiding foods that cause gas
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting regular exercise
• Finding ways to reduce stress such as meditation

What kind of food is Ideal for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

To treat irritable bowel syndrome, a healthy diet rich in fibre should be followed. Foods that cause gas should be avoided.

For treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you must consume the following foods that are rich in dietary fibre such as:

• Whole grains like oats, whole wheat, brown rice, etc.
• Leafy greens such as spinach, coriander, kale, cabbages, cauliflowers, broccolis, peas, lettuce, parsley etc.
• Pulpy fruits like oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, etc.
• Nuts
• Seeds like flax seeds and chia seeds
• Besides, you must consume probiotics. Though not mentioned in the context of IBS, probiotics are known to improve digestion and enhance metabolism. Since changes in the intestinal microbes cause sensitive bowel syndrome, your gut needs probiotics to improve this imbalance. You can satisfy this need by consuming probiotic drinks and yoghurt.

How can Lifestyle Changes treat Irritable Bowel Movements?

The primary goal of treatment for IBS is to alleviate the symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Hence, treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should involve dietary changes, stress management techniques, and medications.

>> Also Read: Inflammatory bowel disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Cancer?

No. Despite irritable bowel syndrome being very unbearable and disruptive, it does not cause any change in the tissue of the intestine. Besides, IBS never poses the risk of colorectal or intestinal cancer.

Although irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t trigger cancer symptoms, you must still be financially prepared to handle a health risk of such a degree.

The best way to do so is —

Get Adequate Health Coverage Against Cancer

It is always a wise decision ideal to prepare adequate health coverage for major critical diseases such as cancer. The best way to do so is to buy the Care Cancer Mediclaim Plan, which guarantees comprehensive coverage of defined cancer and all the advanced medical treatments, such as radiotherapy. Without a second thought, you should get yourself and your family covered for cancer today itself and live a life free of the stress of unanticipated medical costs.

Disclaimer: It is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.