Irritable Bowel syndrome

IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that affect the large intestine (colon) and cause discomfort or distress. While IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to the digestive tract or increase the risk of serious conditions like IBD or cancer, it can significantly impact quality of life.

Symptoms-

1. Emotional symptoms- Typically occurring in the lower abdomen and ameliorated by bowel movement.


2. Changes in bowel habits- Alternating between diarrhea and constipation, or experiencing a mix of both.


3. Bloating and gas- Feeling bloated or gassy, which may worsen after eating or during periods of stress.


4. Urgency to have bowel movements- Feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement, which may be accompanied by cramping or discomfort.


5. Incomplete evacuation- Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a bowel movement.


6. Mucus in the stool- Passage of mucus along with the stool, which is common in IBS but not usually a sign of serious illness.

Types-

1. IBS with diarrhoea- Predominant symptoms include frequent episodes of diarrhoea, urgency, and watery stool.


2. IBS with constipation- Predominant symptoms include frequent bowel movement, difficulty passing stool, and there is hard stool.


3. Mixed type IBS- It includes alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation, as well as abdominal pain or discomfort.

Cause-
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, for example:

1. Altered gastrointestinal motility- Changes in the normal rhythmic contraction of the intestines may lead to abnormal bowel habits.


2. Visceral hypersensitivity- Increased sensitivity in the nerves of the intestine leading to heightened perception of pain and discomfort.


3. Intestinal inflammation- Low-grade inflammation or immune system dysfunction may play a role in some cases of IBS.


4. Gut-brain axis dysfunction- Dysfunction in communication between the brain and the gut, which can be influenced by stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors.


5. Certain factors may worsen symptoms of IBS, including certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, medication, and infections.

Diagnosis-

1. Gluten sensitivity test- For individuals with suspected gluten sensitivity or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, tests for antibodies associated with gluten-related disorders may be performed. This can help determine if gluten is contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms.


2. Thyroid function test- It may be ordered to assess thyroid hormone levels, as thyroid disorders can sometimes cause gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those of IBS.


3. Lactose breath test- This test may be used to assess for lactose intolerance, which can cause symptoms similar to those of IBS. It involves drinking a lactose solution and then measuring the level of hydrogen in the breath over time.


4. Stool test- It may be performed to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or malabsorption. This may include tests for bacteria, viruses, parasites, fecal occult blood, and markers of inflammation such as calprotectin.


5. Blood test- It may be ordered to assess for signs of inflammation, anemia, or other abnormalities that could be contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms. This may include tests such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and tests for celiac disease (e.g., antibodies to tissue transglutaminase).


6. Colonoscopy- While not a lab test per se, this procedure may be performed to visually examine the colon and rectum and obtain tissue samples for biopsy. It may be recommended if there are red flags or alarm symptoms suggestive of other gastrointestinal conditions such as IBD or colorectal cancer.