If you’ve ever suffered through bouts of diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common disorder that affects the digestive system. Symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. But if you’re affected by IBS, don’t despair – there are ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Read on to learn more about IBS, what it is, its symptoms, causes and treatment options!

What Is IBS?

You know that feeling. The bloating, the cramping, the gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Or maybe all of the above. You run to the bathroom only to find that, well, nothing happens. And the feeling doesn’t go away.  If that’s the case, you may have IBS – irritable bowel syndrome.

But what exactly is IBS? 

IBS is a disorder of the digestive system that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation (or a combination thereof). In essence, IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause a lot of discomforts.

Causes

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, a sensitivity to certain foods, or a deficiency in digestive enzymes. Stress may also play a role in triggering IBS symptoms, which is precisely why treatment options revolve around lifestyle changes

Symptoms

Most of us have experienced an upset stomach at some point in our lives. Whether it was from nerves before a big presentation or too much greasy food, an upset stomach is never fun. But for people with IBS, an upset stomach is a daily occurrence. 

IBS can be extremely uncomfortable, and as we mentioned previously, its symptoms can range from mild to severe. 

The most common symptoms of IBS include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

However, some people with IBS also experience nausea, fatigue, and changes in appetite.

While there is no cure for IBS, there are ways to manage its symptoms. With the help of a doctor and some lifestyle changes, you can learn to live with IBS and enjoy your life again.

When To See A Doctor

There’s no surefire test for IBS, but your doctor may want to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. They may order a blood test to check for problems like celiac disease or test a sample of your stool for infections. If you’re struggling with your digestive system and stomach aches & constipation have become regular, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about what treatment options might be right for you.

Treatment Options

As of the present day, there is no exact cure for IBS, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These include dietary changes (such as avoiding trigger foods), stress reduction techniques (such as meditation or yoga), and medications (such as probiotics or antispasmodic). While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for IBS, many people find that a combination of these approaches can be helpful in managing their symptoms. With a little trial and error, you may be able to find a treatment plan that works for you.

Final Thoughts

Do you have any of the symptoms of IBS? If so, it is important to seek medical help and get properly diagnosed. There are treatments available that can help lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Keep in mind that everyone experiences IBS differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. Nevertheless, don’t give up if you don’t find relief immediately – be patient and keep trying different things until you find something that helps you feel better.

Thanks for reading our article on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. We hope this information has been helpful and informative! And as always, if you have any topic requests that you’d like to read about, make sure to comment below or email us!