What Are The Symptoms of IBS?
What Are The Symptoms of IBS?
Only a small percentage of individuals with IBS have severe symptoms. Many people are able to manage their symptoms by controlling their diet, lifestyle, and stress. More intense symptoms are oftentimes able to be treated with medication and therapy. In this 3-minute article we discuss irritable bowel syndrome and the symptoms of IBS in both women and women.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a range of symptoms. Studies estimate that between 3 percent and 20 percent of Americans experience irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is an entirely separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and affects more women than men.
Although not common, in some cases IBS can cause intestinal damage.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
IBS symptoms typically include but are not limited to:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Unfortunately, it's not unheard of for people with IBS to experience episodes of both constipation and diarrhea on an on-again-off-again basis. It's important to note that symptoms of IBS aren't always persistent. Meaning, they can resolve only to come back at "random" times.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms In Women
IBS symptoms can widely differ in women versus men. For example, women may tend to have IBS symptoms around the time of menstruation or they quite likely may have symptoms during menstruation. Around 20% of women have also reported that certain symptoms increase in intensity during pregnancy. Common symptoms in women who have IBS are:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Food sensitivity
- Backache
- Cramping
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms of IBS In Men
Research shows that men are far less likely than women to report IBS symptoms to their healthcare professional. This may be, in part, due to the fact that the male gut is less sensitive to the symptoms of IBS.
How To Diagnose IBS
There are a few different ways to get diagnosed for IBS based on your symptoms.
1. You may need to adopt a certain diet (like gluten or diary-free) to rule out any food allergies
2. Examine a sample of your stool to rule out infection
3. Receive blood work to check for and rule out celiac disease and anemia
4. Have a colonoscopy performed
A colonoscopy will only be done, however, if your doctor believes that your symptoms are the result of inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, or cancer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments
Currently, there is no known cure for IBS and therefore treatment is simply aimed at symptom relief. There are well-known home remedies and lifestyle changes that can relieve symptoms of IBS, however.
You can take a free online IBS test powered by artificial intelligence here.
Home Remedies For IBS
Home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome can include:
- Minimizing stress as much as possible
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
- Consuming smaller meals
- Reducing caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines
- Cutting out deep-fried or spicy foods
- Taking probiotics—otherwise known as good bacteria can help relieve gas and bloating
- Consuming peppermint tea
Foods To Avoid With IBS
For some individuals adding spices like ginger and peppermint can help reduce IBS symptoms. Conversely, there are certain foods that can exacerbate symptoms of IBS. This includes:
- Fried foods
- Dairy
- Gluten-intense foods
- Sugar
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Theories propose that an overly sensitive colon or immune system may be one of the causes. The bodily processes involved in IBS may consist of:
- Slowed movement of the colon which can cause cramping
- Mild celiac disease that damages the intestines, causing IBS symptoms
- Abnormal serotonin levels in the colon thereby affecting bowel movements
IBS Triggers
As briefly described above there are certain foods that may be triggers for IBS. The key to managing IBS symptoms is to avoid triggers that "set it off." An increase in stress and anxiety levels may also be a trigger for IBS.
It is important you learn to avoid the foods that trigger your IBS symptoms as well as keep stress and anxiety levels at bay.
IBS With Stress & Anxiety
The movement of your digestive system is greatly controlled by your nervous system. Stress and anxiety can impact your nerves which can cause your digestive system to overact.
People will IBS may be overly responsive to even the slightest disruption in their digestive system. Studies also show that IBS is affected by the immune system which coincidentally affected by stress.
IBS: Symptoms, Triggers, Diagnosis & Treatment Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a range of symptoms. Research suggests that between 3 percent and 20 percent of Americans experience irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
IBS symptoms typically include but are not limited to:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome can include but are not limited to:
- Reducing stress
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
- Consuming smaller meals
- Reducing caffeinated beverages
For some individuals adding spices like ginger and peppermint can help reduce IBS symptoms. Conversely, there are certain foods that can exacerbate symptoms of IBS. This includes:
- Fried foods
- Dairy
- Gluten-intense foods
- Sugar
