Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is an incurable condition affecting the colon and large bowel, making it more sensitive to bowel motions, and may come and go throughout one's life. The cause is unknown, however there are a number of risk factors and/or factors that can potentially 'trigger' IBS attacks in susceptible people. These include:
☞ Infections including gastroenteritis,
☞ food intolerances including impaired absorption of lactose,
☞ general diets, as low fibre diets can exacerbate IBS,
☞ stress and anxiety, as these can affect the nerves of the bowel in susceptible individuals, and
☞ medications, including antibiotics, antacids, and painkillers that can lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
Epidemiology
IBS is common, affecting 1 in 5 Australians at some time in their life. It is more common among women, with symptoms often more prominent before a woman's period, and overall, IBS often first emerges in the late teens or early twenties.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
☞ Abdominal pain or discomfort often relieved by passing wind or stool
☞ Stomach bloating,
☞ Nausea,
☞ Chronic diarrhoea or constipation (or alternating between the two),
☞ White coloured mucus in the stool, and
☞ The sensation of unfinished bowel movements.
IBS does not however cause rectal bleeding, weight loss, fevers or severe diarrhoea at night, and if these are present, further investigations must be undertaken.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing IBS may be achieved based on symptoms alone, however diagnostic tests are required for adults over 40 years of age, those with family history of bowel cancer, or if other illnesses are suspected such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or polyps. These might include:
☞ Full medical checkups,
☞ Serology, including for coeliac disease,
☞ Stool test,
☞ Sigmoidoscopy, or
☞ Colonoscopy
Treatment
Treatment is determined by symptoms and patient needs. This may include:
☞ Anti-diarrhoeal agents
☞ Analgesia
☞ Constipation treatments including laxatives,
☞ Antispasmodic agents, and/or
☞ Tricyclic antidepressants
Be aware of lifestyle choices, including coffee, alcohol consumption, diet, and smoking, as well as stressors. Stress does not cause IBS, but is known to interact with nerves in the bowel and may worsen IBS in those who are susceptible.
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