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BlueNet SPECIALITIES
Internal Medicine

Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Causes and how can you treat the pain?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long term gastrointestinal disease that can cause pain and discomfort. Only a few people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms with diet, lifestyle, and stress control. 

Severe symptoms could be treated with pills. Irritable Bowel Syndrome doesn't increase your risk of Colorectal Cancer.


Symptoms

The most common symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are:

  • Changes in bowel habits

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • A feeling that the bowels are never empty

  • Excess gas

  • Bloating of the abdomen

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Vomiting

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Constipation alternating with diarrhea

  • Food intolerance

Stress could make symptoms worse.


Causes

Triggers of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome):

  • Food (dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks)

  • Stress

  • Hormonal changes


Changes to make

Usually, with some changes in diet and lifestyle, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) will improve over time. Here are some tips:

  • Avoid general caffeine (coffee, black teas, and some sodas)

  • Add fiber to your diet

  • Drink more water (at least three to four glasses of water daily)

  • Don't smoke

  • Learn to relax

  • Limit dairy products

  • Eat smaller meals five times a day

  • Keep a report of the foods you eat to identify your triggers

  • Avoid some foods like beans, celery, carrots, raisins, apricots, prunes, Brussels sprouts, pretzels, bagels, fried foods, sugar-free gum, some candies


Adjustments in eating habits can help control symptoms. No IBS diet works for everyone. 


When should I see a doctor?

It's important to consult a specialist in Gastroenterology to diagnose chronic constipation and to be able to start a treatment that helps you control your symptoms.


When consulting your Gastroenterologist, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.

 

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