October 22, 2020 Brian Dooley

These 3 Symptoms Could be IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine. Though common, it’s a chronic condition that needs management long term.

A small number of people experience severe symptoms of IBS. Some can manage their symptoms through lifestyle choices, like managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. The most severe symptoms can be treated with medication.

IBS Triggers

IBS symptoms can be triggered by:

• Food. Many people have worse symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks.
• Stress. Stress may aggravate symptoms, but it doesn’t cause them. Most people with IBS have worse or more frequent symptoms during periods of stress.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms vary but are usually present for a long time. If you have these symptoms, you may have IBS. The most common symptoms include:

1. Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating related to a bowel movement
2. Changes in appearance of bowel movement
3. Changes in frequency of bowel movements

See a doctor if you experience a persistent change in bowel habits or other IBS symptoms. Serious signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. These include:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea at night
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent pain that isn’t relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement

Managing IBS At Home

Once you’ve been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor, treatment usually focuses on symptom relief so sufferers can live as normally as possible. Mild symptoms can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and managing stress. These include:

• Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms. Eliminate problem foods. Problem foods may include high-gas foods, gluten, or FODMAPs. A dietician can help you make changes to your diet.
  – If you experience bloating or gas, you may want to avoid foods like carbonated or alcoholic beverages and other foods that lead to increased gas.
  – If you experience diarrhea, you may want to avoid foods that contain gluten, even if you don’t have celiac disease.
  – Some people with IBS are sensitive to FODMAPs. These include fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are in certain fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
• Adding fiber to your diet. Fiber helps to reduce constipation. Adding too much fiber to your diet quickly can worsen gas and cramping. Try slowly adding more fiber to your diet over a period of weeks. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Fiber supplements can also add fiber to your diet and may cause less gas and bloating.
• Eating at regular times. Don’t skip meals. Eating at about the same time each day helps with regular bowel function. For diarrhea, try eating small, frequent meals. For constipation, try adding fiber to your meals.
• Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Getting enough activity. Exercise helps improve mental health and stimulates normal contractions of the intestines.
• Practicing good sleep hygiene. Get enough sleep.

When Managing Symptoms At Home isn’t Enough

Have you tried some or all of these tips and you still have symptoms? Do you have symptoms that you’re concerned about? If so, it’s time to talk to a gastroenterologist. Make an appointment today.