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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome

 Irritable bowel syndrome





Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder characterized by recurring abdominal pain, which can be accompanied by constipation or diarrhea.

Symptoms of IBS can vary but typically include lower abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and either constipation or diarrhea.

Several factors, including certain substances and emotional triggers, can provoke symptoms of IBS.

Diagnosis of IBS is usually based on clinical symptoms, although a doctor may recommend tests to rule out other underlying conditions.

Management of IBS often involves dietary modifications and the use of medications to alleviate specific symptoms.

IBS is a common disorder that affects a significant portion of the general population. Studies suggest that women with IBS are more likely to seek medical attention. It is the most commonly diagnosed disorder seen by gastrointestinal specialists and is a frequent reason for individuals to consult their primary care doctor.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects bowel movements, the sensitivity of the nerves in the bowel, or the regulation of these functions by the brain. Although there is an impairment in normal functioning, no structural abnormalities can be observed through procedures like endoscopy (the use of a flexible viewing tube), imaging studies, biopsy, or blood tests. As a result, the diagnosis of IBS is made based on the characteristic symptoms and the absence of abnormalities in these tests when they are conducted.

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains unknown. However, in many individuals with IBS, the digestive tract demonstrates heightened sensitivity to various stimuli. These individuals may experience discomfort, such as intestinal gas or cramping, that others may not find bothersome. While changes in bowel movements associated with IBS may seem to be related to abnormal contractions of the bowel, not all individuals with IBS experience abnormal contractions, and these contractions do not always align with the symptoms experienced by those who do have contractions. In some cases, symptoms of IBS may develop following a bout of inflammation in the stomach or intestines.

Certain factors in diet can act as triggers for some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consuming high-calorie meals or following a high-fat diet may be triggering factors for some people.

Certain foods have been observed to worsen symptoms in some individuals, such as wheat, dairy products, legumes, chocolate, coffee, tea, certain artificial sweeteners, certain vegetables (like asparagus or cauliflower), and certain stone fruits (like apricots). These foods contain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine, leading to fermentation by intestinal bacteria, resulting in symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramping. Identifying specific triggers can be challenging due to the complex composition of various food products.

In some individuals, eating quickly or eating after a long interruption may serve as triggers, although the relationship is not fully understood or established.

Emotional factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and fear, as well as certain medications (including laxatives) and hormonal factors, can also trigger or worsen symptoms of IBS.

It is important to note that not everyone will experience symptoms after their usual triggers, and symptoms can often occur without any apparent trigger. The precise relationship between these factors and irritable bowel syndrome is not yet fully understood.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can vary from person to person. Here are some common approaches:

1. Dietary adjustments: Following a normal, balanced diet and avoiding foods that tend to produce gas and cause diarrhea can help manage symptoms. Identifying trigger foods through a food diary or elimination diet may be beneficial. Increasing fiber intake and drinking enough water can also help manage constipation.

2. Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate specific symptoms of IBS. These can include antispasmodics to reduce intestinal spasms, laxatives or fiber supplements to manage constipation, and anti-diarrheal medications to control diarrhea. Probiotics may also be recommended to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Diet

The low FODMAP diet is one approach that focuses on reducing the intake of certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly fermented by gut bacteria. These carbohydrates include lactose, fructose, sugar alcohols, fructans, and galactans. Some common foods high in FODMAPs include certain dairy products, apples, pears, wheat, onions, garlic, and legumes.

Following a low FODMAP diet involves a strict elimination phase, where high FODMAP foods are avoided for a period of time, typically 2-6 weeks. After the elimination phase, specific foods are gradually reintroduced one at a time to determine individual tolerance levels.

It is important to work with a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional with expertise in FODMAPs to ensure nutritional adequacy and appropriate customization of the diet based on individual needs and sensitivities.

Other dietary tips that may help alleviate symptoms of IBS include:

1. Increasing soluble fiber intake: Foods such as oats, bananas, carrots, and psyllium husk can help prevent constipation and bulk up stools.

2. Avoiding trigger foods: Keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that worsen symptoms and try to avoid them.

3. Eating regular meals and maintaining a balanced diet: Regular and balanced meals can help regulate bowel movements.

4. Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day can help maintain healthy digestion.

Remember, everyone's experience with IBS is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different dietary strategies and working with a healthcare professional can help find the most effective approach.

You should not consume large amounts of sorbitol, an artificial sweetener used in some foods, medications, and chewing gum. You should only eat small amounts of fructose, a sugar found in fruits, berries, and some plants. People with irritable bowel syndrome who are unable to digest the sugar lactose should (  The condition is called intolerance to lactose) found in milk and other dairy products;  Eat dairy products only in moderation.


 Patients can try reducing their intake of the above foods one at a time and see how symptoms change, or they can try a diet low in oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which restricts all of these foods.


 A low-fat diet is useful for some people, especially those who have very slow or very rapid stomach emptying.



The severity of constipation can often be relieved by eating more fiber and drinking more water. People with constipation can take psyllium supplements with two glasses of water. Excessive fiber in the diet may worsen flatulence and flatulence. Flatulence can be relieved by  Replace the use of synthetic fiber preparations (such as methylcellulose) from time to time.
Thank you for providing information about pharmaceutical treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here is a summary of those treatments:

1. Laxatives: Polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl, glycerin, lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, tenapanor, and prucalopride are commonly used laxatives that can help relieve constipation in individuals with IBS.

2. Antispasmodics: Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication that can help relieve abdominal pain by preventing spasms in the intestinal muscles. However, it may cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating.

3. Antidiarrheal medications: Diphenoxylate, loperamide, and eluxadoline are commonly used to treat diarrhea in people with IBS. Eluxadoline is specifically used for severe diarrhea caused by IBS.

4. Antibiotics: Rifaximin may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain, particularly in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

5. Alosetron: While it is limited in use due to safety concerns, alosetron is sometimes used to treat diarrhea predominant IBS in elderly women who do not benefit from other medications.

6. Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants, such as nortriptyline or desipramine, can help relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and other symptoms in people with IBS. They can also help with sleep problems, depression, or anxiety that may be associated with IBS.

7. Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health. They may be recommended to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

8. Essential oils: Some individuals find relief from colic pain by using essential oils, such as peppermint oil. However, it is important to use them with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of these pharmaceutical treatments and determine the most appropriate options for managing symptoms of IBS.

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