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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Colon/lower bowel disorder
- Unknown
- What is known is that the colon muscle in those with IBS contracts more readily than in those without it and those with the condition have a lower pain threshold
- Triggers include
- Certain foods
- Medications
- Stress
- Abdominal pain/cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen
- Bloating
- Constipation in some, diarrhea in others
- Excess gas
- Harder/looser bowel movements than usual
- Medical history is evaluated
- Physical exam
- Blood tests and stool samples: To rule out other conditions
- Stool examined for bacteria, parasites or bile acid (if you have chronic diarrhea)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: With a flexible lighted tube, the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid) is examined
- Colonoscopy: Entire colon is examined with a colonoscope
- If necessary, small amounts of tissue can be taken for biopsy and polyps can be identified and removed
*There is no definitive test to diagnose IBS
- Diet
- Avoid trigger foods (ie: high-gas foods, gluten, certain carbs such as fructose, fructans, lactose, FODMAPs)
- Eat fibre
- Drink plenty of fluids
- IBS Diet
- Stress reduction
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Psychotherapy
- Regular physical exercise
- Oral Medications
- Fibre supplements/laxatives: For constipation-predominant IBS
- Anti-diarrheals
- Bile acid binders: Cholestyramine, colestipol or colesevelam
- Anticholinergics: To relieve bowel spasms
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines to help reduce pain
- Pain medications: Pregabalin/gabapentin for severe pain/bloating
- Medications specifically for IBS: Can help ease diarrhea and relax the colon
