In our most recent blog article, readers learned about IBS symptoms and the causes of IBS. Today, we are continuing the IBS series. Follow along as we share more information on IBS and the treatment options for those suffering from it.
IBS triggers:
As any other digestive health issue, food can be a trigger. The role of food allergy or intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome is not entirely understood yet. A textbook food allergy rarely causes IBS. However, many people have worsened IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages including the following:
- wheat
- dairy products
- citrus fruits
- beans
- cabbage
- milk
- carbonated drinks
Stress play a large role in irritable bowel syndrome. Most people with IBS experience worse or more frequent IBS symptoms during periods of increased stress. Many people that do not have IBS have had this before or during an important meeting or exam.
Stress may aggravate IBS symptoms, but stress does not cause them. Hormones play a role in IBS appearances as well. Women are twice as likely to have IBS.
Plenty of women find that signs and symptoms are worse during, or around, their menstrual cycle.
Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
While there is no definitive test to be diagnosed with IBS, there are other ways to receive a diagnosis for peace of mind and treatment options. Your doctor is likely to start with a physical exam and review of medical history. This will rule out any other conditions.
Next, a gastro doctor will likely test you for a gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, especially if you have diarrhea. After other conditions have been ruled out, the gastroenterologist will further the diagnosis process.
A doctor is likely to use the following criteria during diagnosis:
- Rome criteria
- Manning criteria
- Type of IBS
IBS can be divided into three types based on the symptoms a patient is having: constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, or mixed. This is for treatment purposes.
Symptoms that may suggest a more serious condition include:
- weight loss
- fever
- rectal bleeding
- onset signs and symptoms after the age of 50
- nausea
- recurrent vomiting
- abdominal pain (especially if it is not relieved by a bowel movement and continues overnight)
- diarrhea that persists or awakens you from sleep
- anemia related to low iron
If an initial treatment for IBS does not work and symptoms persist, more tests will be necessary for accurate diagnosis. These tests include:
- colonoscopy
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- x-ray or CT scan
- lactose intolerance tests
- breath test for bacterial growth
- upper endoscopy
- stool tests
Next time, we will share treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome. Stop by next time for this valuable information. Remember to wash your hands often, avoid crowded areas, get outside, and stay healthy!
Staff Writer