Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea or constipation, or both.

Recent research has shown that many symptoms of IBS are related to hypersensitivity of the nerves found in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. These nerves are distinct from those in your spinal cord and brain. For some people, IBS may arise from how the gut nerves communicate with the brain, or how the brain processes that information.

INDICATORS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME:

The main symptom of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in your bowel habits. Patients with IBS may describe the abdominal discomfort in different ways, such as sharp pain, cramping, bloating, distention, fullness or even burning. The pain may be triggered by eating specific foods, following a meal, emotional stress, constipation or diarrhoea. PRAGMA hospitals- best gastroenterology hospital in hyderabad have an exceptional team of doctors specialising in liver failure, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and GI cancers.

Other symptoms that are often related include sensation of incomplete evacuation and increased gas or mucus in the stool.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO IBS:

The exact cause of IBS isn’t known. Factors that appear to play a role include:

• Muscle contractions in the intestine. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through your digestive tract. Contractions that are stronger and last longer than usual can cause gas, bloating and diarrhoea. Weak contractions can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools. We provide the best gastroenterology doctor along with endoscopic ultrasound in order to check for this issue.
• Nervous system. Issues with the nerves in your digestive system may cause discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas or stool. Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause your body to overreact to changes that typically occur in the digestive process and cause pain, diarrhoea or constipation.
• Severe infection. IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhoea caused by bacteria or a virus. This is called gastroenteritis. IBS might also be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth). PRAGMA- hyderabad best gastroenterology hospital delivers the best results when it comes to treatment of bacterial infection.
• Changes in gut microbes. Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which typically reside in the intestines and play a key role in health. Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in people who don’t have IBS.

HOW TO TREAT IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME:

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a comprehensive approach that addresses symptoms and improves quality of life.

• Dietary Modifications: This involves reducing foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Foods like garlic, onions, and certain fruits can trigger symptoms in some individuals. Also, increasing soluble fibre (found in foods like oats and psyllium) can help manage constipation. However, insoluble fibre (found in whole grains and some vegetables) may exacerbate symptoms for some people.

• Medications: Medications such as hyoscine or dicyclomine help relieve abdominal cramping by relaxing the gut muscles. For IBS with constipation (IBS-C), over-the-counter or prescription laxatives can help facilitate bowel movements.

       Antidepressants: Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective                        serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help with pain management and improve mood. PRAGMA- best gastroenterology hospital in hyderabad we believe in cost-effectiveness therefore provide affordable medication to all patients.

• Lifestyle changes: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage stress, which is often linked to IBS symptoms along with  Physical activity can promote healthy digestion and alleviate symptoms of IBS. Also, ensuring good quality sleep can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Therefore, to conclude managing IBS requires a multi-faceted approach that includes dietary adjustments, medications, lifestyle changes, and potentially behavioural therapies and here at PRAGMA HOSPITALS the best gastroenterology doctors help you in every step of the way to tackle this disease hasslefree.