Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition characterized by abnormal contractions of the large intestine, with no abnormalities found during colonoscopy or blood tests.

The condition often has a long history and symptoms may come and go, causing discomfort and disruption to daily life for the patient. Patients may become anxious about the condition not going away even with treatment, or may mistakenly believe it to be colon cancer, affecting their quality of life.

IBS is more common in women than men, with a ratio of approximately 2:1.

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain, which may be centralized or focused on the lower left side, and often feels like cramping.

Other symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Changes in bowel movements such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two
• Some patients may feel incomplete bowel movements or experience relief after having a bowel movement, and mucous may be present in the stool. These symptoms may come and go, often lasting for more than three months over the course of a year.

Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Currently, the exact cause of IBS is unknown. However, studies have found that there are three important factors that contribute to this condition:

1.  Abnormal contractions of the large intestine caused by the release of abnormal substances or hormones in the intestinal wall, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

2.  Abnormal sensitivity of the nervous system in the intestinal wall, which can be triggered by certain foods such as spicy foods, coffee, all types of alcohol, chocolate, as well as emotional stress such as anxiety or depression. When stimulated, the intestinal wall contracts abnormally, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating,           constipation, or diarrhea.

3. Infection in the intestine, which is more common in IBS patients in hot and humid areas such as Thailand. After recovering from inflammation of the intestine, one out of three patients will have recurring symptoms of IBS.

Treatment:

There is currently no cure for IBS. Medications are used to improve symptoms, and the appropriate medication will be prescribed by a physician based on the patient's condition. Additionally, lifestyle changes may also be recommended to improve the patient's symptoms.

The following are recommended practices for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to manage their condition:

• Eat slowly and avoid overeating (consume a moderate amount of food).
• Avoid fatty foods, especially during dinner and before bed, as they can stimulate bowel contractions.
• If the patient experiences constipation, increase fiber intake in their diet, drink enough water, and establish regular bowel habits.
• Avoid drinking yogurt in patients with IBS-related diarrhea.
• Avoid foods that can exacerbate symptoms, such as coffee, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and some sour fruits.
• If the patient has comorbid anxiety, they should find ways to relax and rest adequately, exercise regularly, and seek psychiatric care if necessary.
• IBS does not increase the risk of developing cancer, although caution is recommended in elderly patients with changes in bowel habits, increased constipation, or diarrhea, who require thorough examination to identify the underlying causes.