Irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome - causes, symptoms & treatments
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not yet fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors are thought to play a role. The main theories include:
- **Gut-brain axis**: Disturbances in the communication between the gut and the brain can affect the motility and sensitivity of the gut.
- **Altered intestinal motility**: Abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles can lead to diarrhea or constipation.
- **Increased pain sensitivity**: Patients with IBS often have increased visceral pain sensitivity.
- **Inflammatory processes**: Microscopic inflammation may play a role.
- **Dysbiosis**: An imbalance in intestinal flora could contribute to the development of IBS.
- **Stress and psychological factors**: Stress, anxiety and depression are often associated with IBS and can worsen symptoms.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are diverse and can vary:
- **Stomach pain and cramps**: These often occur after eating and improve after bowel movements.
- **Flatulence**: A bloated stomach is a common symptom.
- **Changes in bowel habits**: This includes diarrhea, constipation, or a change between the two.
- **Mucus in stool**: Some patients experience mucus in their stool.
- **Incomplete bowel movement**: The feeling of not having completely emptied the bowels.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions on this topic:
What does the stool look like in irritable bowel syndrome?
The stool in irritable bowel syndrome can look very different. Those affected report varying stools that range from hard and lumpy to watery and liquid. It is not uncommon for those affected to experience alternating diarrhea and constipation.
What worsens irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome can be made worse by several factors, including:
- Stress and emotional burden
- Certain foods such as high-fat foods, coffee, alcohol and gas-inducing foods (e.g. beans, cabbage)
- Changes in routine or sleep patterns
- Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during the menstrual cycle)
What is the best medication for irritable bowel syndrome?
There is no universal "best" drug for irritable bowel syndrome as treatment must be individualized. Commonly used medications include:
- Antispasmodics (e.g. butylscopolamine) to relieve abdominal cramps
- Probiotics to support the intestinal flora
- Fiber supplements for constipation
- Antidiarrheals (e.g. loperamide) for diarrhea
- Low dose antidepressants to relieve pain and regulate bowel function
- **Kijimea**: A special medication used specifically to treat irritable bowel syndrome. It contains the bacterial strain B. bifidum MIMBb75, which can stabilize the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation.
How do you know if you have irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by a combination of recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). These symptoms occur at least once a week for at least three months. A medical examination and the exclusion of other diseases are necessary for a final diagnosis.
Do you have mucus in your stool if you have irritable bowel syndrome?
Yes, mucus in stool can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is important that other causes of mucus in stool be ruled out by a doctor.
How do I find out if I have irritable bowel syndrome?
To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, you should see a doctor. He or she will take a medical history, perform physical examinations, and possibly order additional tests (blood tests, stool samples, endoscopic examinations) to rule out other illnesses.
What helps quickly with irritable bowel syndrome?
The following can help to quickly relieve symptoms:
- Heat applications such as a hot water bottle on the stomach
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation
- Gentle physical activity such as walks
- Adjusting your diet (smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods)
What is the best remedy for irritable bowel syndrome?
There is no cure-all, but a combination of lifestyle changes, stress management, and drug therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Eating a diet high in fiber, drinking enough fluids and exercising regularly are also important. One specifically recommended measure is the **Low FODMAP diet**, which has proven to be very effective. This diet reduces fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols that often trigger irritable bowel syndrome.
The **Low FODMAP diet** consists of three phases:
1. **Elimination Phase**: All high FODMAP foods are avoided for 6-8 weeks.
2. **Reintroduction Phase**: High FODMAP foods are gradually reintroduced to identify individual triggers.
3. **Personalization phase**: Based on the results of the reintroduction phase, a long-term adapted diet is created.
Another helpful product is **Fodzyme**. **Fodzyme** is an enzyme supplement specifically designed to support the digestion of FODMAPs. It contains enzymes that break down fructans and galactans and can be taken before eating high-FODMAP foods to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
What shouldn't you eat if you have irritable bowel syndrome?
Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers are:
- High-fat and highly processed foods
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Flatulent foods (e.g. beans, cabbage)
- Dairy products (for lactose intolerance)
- Gluten (in case of gluten sensitivity)
How long does an irritable bowel flare-up last?
An attack can last from a few hours to several days. The duration and intensity of attacks varies greatly from person to person.
What does diarrhea look like in irritable bowel syndrome?
Diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome is often watery and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and a sudden, urgent need to defecate.
Can irritable bowel syndrome go away?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disease that often lasts for years. However, the symptoms can be significantly alleviated with appropriate measures and treatments, and in some cases freedom from symptoms can be achieved.
What does the doctor prescribe for irritable bowel syndrome?
Doctors often prescribe a combination of treatments tailored to individual symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This includes:
- Antispasmodics
- Fiber supplements
- Probiotics
- Antidiarrheals or laxatives
- In some cases, low-dose antidepressants
How to calm an irritable bowel?
• Stress management through relaxation techniques
• Adjustment of diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding trigger foods
• Sufficient sleep
How to recognize irritable bowel syndrome?
Diagnosis is made through a combination of symptom history, exclusion of other diseases and specific criteria such as the Rome IV criteria.
