Even though it is not talked about a lot, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is not life-threatening. Although, it can still make life uncomfortable for a person. Close to 45 million Americans suffer from the condition, with a majority of them being women.
The one thing that makes the disease harder to treat is that there are no simple tests to determine whether one has the disease. Knowing about the symptoms is the first step to one determining if they might have it. Here is everything you need to know about IBS.
The symptoms of IBS will vary from one person to another. One thing that stays constant is that these symptoms persist over time.
The most common symptoms of IBS are:
Something with all these symptoms is they could be any disease. It makes it hard for anyone to pinpoint the cause of the symptoms they might be having. The one thing you can do when you have all these symptoms is to consult a doctor. They are better placed to diagnose you with IBS.
There is no specific test done on a patient to determine if they have IBS. The doctors determine if you have it by carrying out various tests to rule out other diseases. Here are some of the tests your doctor is likely to run on you:
Once the doctor has ruled out all the other conditions, they can diagnose you with IBS. With a proper diagnosis, you can be giving the right treatment plan.
Treatment for IBS is mainly aimed at reducing the discomfort you feel. Whatever treatment plan you might get will be based on the intensity of your symptoms. The doctor can recommend two main ways for IBS treatment. These are diet changes and medication. Let us look at both of them and see what they entail.
If you have IBS, you will most likely have an issue with most of the food you eat. Changing your diet will ensure that whatever food you take has little to minimum impact on your stomach. It will go a long way to ensure that you are comfortable, especially after meals. Here are some of the changes you might have to make on your diet if you are diagnosed with IBS:
Even with cutting down on the food you eat, there are times when the situation is so dire that you have to take medication alongside a diet change. All this will work together to ensure that you do not get any complications whenever you have a meal.
Your doctor might recommend taking medication based on the symptoms you present from IBS. The medication might change from time to time, and if you get better, the chances are that you might come off the drugs. The one thing you need to remember with this condition is, treatment might take a while to work properly. You need to be patient and follow through with the medication you are given. The doctor might prescribe the following medications to you:
There is also medication like alosetron used to slow down the movement of waste through your lower bowel. The doctor might recommend it for you if they realize you are not absorbing enough nutrients.
Being diagnosed with IBS does not mean you cannot live your life to the fullest. All you need to do is figure out what your triggers are and how to deal with them. With a change in diet and a few medications, you are on your way to leading a normal life just like everyone else.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
