Irritable bowel syndrome: doctors told about early symptoms

It is a well-known fact that most of the immunity and immunoglobulins that protect a person from viruses, bacteria and toxins are in the intestinal mucosa. Throughout life, it is very important to maintain its health and proper functioning, because intestinal disorders can not only worsen overall well-being, but also lead to a decrease in the body's defenses against numerous diseases.

One of the functional disorders is irritable bowel syndrome. OBOZREVATEL analyzed the available information and told what its symptoms are and what can affect the occurrence.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the human digestive system. This condition is characterized not only by pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, but also by impaired interaction between the gut and the brain. The disease is not easy to diagnose, because it can be triggered by different factors and cause different symptoms in people. Specialists at Mayo Clinic talk about possible symptoms of IBS.

The first symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Abdominal pain and cramps: most often the pain occurs in the lower abdomen and stops after defecation.

Excessive gas formation: extra gas formed in the abdomen can lead to bloating and painful sensations.

Stool disorders: diarrhea, constipation, or both are common symptoms of SCD. There may also be complaints of incomplete bowel emptying or frequent and sudden urges to defecate.

Changes in stools: stools may be too liquid or contain a lot of clear mucus.

What are the types of irritable bowel syndrome?

Depending on the symptoms, doctors distinguish three types of IBS:

IBS with diarrhea - most of the stool is liquid and watery;

IBS with constipation - most of the stool is hard;

IBS with mixed stools - during the day you have both liquid and hard stools.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

There is no single cause that leads to intestinal dysfunction, but the main factors that increase the risk include:

Intestinal muscle contractions: the intestinal walls are lined with muscles that help the passage of food. Thus, strong contractions lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea, while too weak contractions slow the movement of food and cause constipation;

Severe infection: SCD can occur after suffering from gastroenteritis caused by a virus or bacteria, as well as due to excessive bacterial growth in the intestines.

Family history: if there are people in the family with gastrointestinal disorders, you are also at risk of getting the disease;

Stress: People with an unstable emotional state or excessive anxiety are more likely to complain of intestinal irritation. It is paradoxical that the symptoms of SCD cause people to experience additional distress, while at the same time, stress can aggravate intestinal disorders;

Food intolerance: certain carbohydrates, lactose and gluten are more likely to cause intestinal disorders, so one should monitor the body's reaction to certain foods, such as legumes, wheat, nuts, fruits and vegetables, sweets, etc.

How to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome?

In order to make the correct diagnosis, you must see a doctor and undergo a complete examination, which may include:

blood tests to monitor anemia, the presence of inflammation and infection (total blood count, C-reactive protein);

stool examination for abnormal flora;

thyroid test;

computed tomography to evaluate tumors, obstruction, and pancreatic disease;

ultrasound examination of the gallbladder;

colonoscopy.

How to treat irritable bowel syndrome?

Relief of identified symptoms will address the underlying cause of the disease.

The main recommendations for treating IBS include:

Dietary changes: saturate your diet with fiber and extra fiber, but reduce your intake of milk, cottage cheese, and caffeine. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day. To control your condition, keep a diary and avoid foods that cause symptoms specifically to you.

Physical activity: Regular exercise can help relieve symptoms.

Stress avoidance: try relaxation and find ways to help calm down and maintain a stable emotional state and avoid unnecessary anxiety.

Medications: if necessary, the doctor may prescribe remedies to relieve the symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, probiotics to improve gut microflora or antidepressants to normalize the nervous system.

As we can see, irritable bowel syndrome is an insidious and unpleasant disease that can affect anyone and for which there is no clear treatment. Since there is no single cause for its occurrence, it cannot be anticipated or avoided. However, the good news is that if you find symptoms of an intestinal disorder, you can control it and improve your condition by following simple medical advice and eliminating irritants from your life.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL reported that intestinal bacteria prolong life.