What is IBS? Understanding symptoms, causes and diagnosis.
If you've ever experienced persistent gut discomfort, you're certainly not alone. As someone who lives with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), I truly understand how challenging it can be. My goal with this guide is to shed light on what IBS is and how it can be effectively managed so you can regain control.
What Exactly is IBS?
IBS is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means it's a long-term condition that affects how your bowel functions, but unlike other digestive conditions, it doesn't cause visible damage or inflammation to the digestive tract. Essentially, it's a problem with how the brain and gut work together, leading to a highly sensitive digestive system.
How Many People Suffer from IBS?
IBS is remarkably common, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the global population. However, many more may experience symptoms but remain undiagnosed, often suffering in silence. It can affect anyone, but it's more prevalent in women.
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of several factors rather than a single one. These can include:
Brain-Gut Axis Dysfunction: There's a complex communication system between the brain and the gut. In IBS, this communication can be disrupted, influencing gut function and sensitivity.
Visceral Hypersensitivity: This means the nerves in the gut are overly sensitive to normal digestive processes, leading to pain or discomfort that others wouldn't feel.
Stress and Psychological Factors: While stress doesn't cause IBS, it can significantly worsen symptoms by impacting the brain-gut connection.
Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Changes in the types and amounts of bacteria in the gut might play a role.
Gut Motility Issues: The muscles of the gut might contract too quickly (leading to diarrhoea) or too slowly (leading to constipation), or sometimes both.
Post-Infectious IBS: Some people develop IBS after a severe bout of gastroenteritis (gut infection).
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms vary widely from person to person, both in type and severity. The most common include:
Abdominal Pain or Cramping: Often relieved by a bowel movement.
Bloating and Distension: A feeling of fullness or visible swelling of the abdomen.
Changes in Bowel Habits: This can manifest as:
Diarrhoea (IBS-D): Frequent loose stools, urgency.
Constipation (IBS-C): Infrequent, hard, or difficult-to-pass stools.
Mixed Bowel Habits (IBS-M): Alternating between periods of diarrhoea and constipation.
Excessive Gas: Flatulence.
Beyond the gut, many people with IBS also experience fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the condition's significant impact on overall well-being.
Diagnosing IBS: Ruling Out More Serious Conditions
If you suspect you have IBS, your first step should always be to consult your General Practitioner (GP). It's crucial to rule out more serious conditions that can mimic IBS symptoms, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease, or colon cancer. Your GP will likely conduct tests like:
Blood tests (to check for inflammation markers, anaemia, or coeliac disease)
Stool tests (to check for infection or blood)
In some cases, a colonoscopy or endoscopy may be recommended.
Once other conditions are ruled out, you may be diagnosed with IBS if your symptoms align with the Rome IV criteria.
Rome IV criteria:
Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with 2 or more of the following:
Related to defecation
Associated with a change in frequency of stool
Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
Symptoms must have started at least six months prior to diagnosis.
The Take Home Message
Living with IBS can feel overwhelming and isolating, but understanding the condition is the crucial first step toward finding relief. You're not alone in this journey, and there are effective ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Are you ready to explore personalised strategies for managing your IBS and regaining control? Dive into my next blog post: “Management of IBS: Taking Back Control”.
If you’re looking for tailored support and guidance for your unique gut health journey, I’m here to help.
Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your IBS symptoms and how we can work together to help you find peace with your gut.
