What is IBS and how do I know if I have it?
An astounding 10-15% of the world’s population now suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional disorder, meaning that doctors won’t find anything physically wrong with the gut when running diagnostic tests and investigations. This can be extremely frustrating, as symptoms can be really debilitating, and have a huge impact our lives. One study even found that people with IBS were willing to give up 25% of their remaining life expectancy, an average of 15 years, to be free of symptoms! (Drossman et al, 2009).
IBS Symptoms
IBS is diagnostically characterised by the presence of any of the following symptoms for at least 6 months: abdominal pains or discomfort, bloating or a change in bowel habits (e.g diarrhoea, constipation, or both) and the absence of physical causes. Other symptoms commonly with associated with IBS may include wind, back pains, nausea, brain fog, fatigue etc, but IBS symptoms are very unique to each individual – symptoms can be mild or severe, chronic or sporadic, wide-ranging, or limited to just one problematic symptom. That’s why the latest IBS clinical guidelines, advocates a holistic approach to IBS, which tackles’ people’s own unique symptoms with tailored lifestyle, wellbeing and dietary advice (Vasant et al, 2021). For further reading about a holistic approach to IBS, click here.
IBS symptoms can also sometimes indicate other gut disorders, so it’s really important to go to your GP first, before seeking any other help. There are no tests that identify IBS, it’s diagnosed through ruling out other conditions first. The GP should take a blood test to screen you for Coeliac Disease, and a stool sample to rule out any inflammatory bowel diseases. You may also be referred to a Gastroenterology Consultant for an endoscopy or colonoscopy (cameras either end to investigate).
Red Flags: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
You should tell the doctor if you experience any of the following, as these ‘red flags’ can indicate another condition:
Blood in the stool
Anaemia
Unintentional weight loss
Fever
Symptoms that are severe or getting progressively worse
Bowel movements waking you up through the night
Having a family history of other bowel diseases
What causes IBS?
There are no known causes of IBS, but a clearer picture is now emerging about the factors which contribute to symptoms e.g gut sensitivity, gut bacteria imbalances or infections, changes in gut motility, lifestyle & dietary changes, chronic stress or traumatic events. Some of these involve the gut-brain axis (the interaction between the gut and the brain), and we now know that the nervous system has a big impact on the functioning of the gut. This is why approaches like CBT, mindfulness and hypnotherapy, which help calm the nervous system can be really effective in reducing IBS symptoms.
What are the treatments for IBS?
There are also no known medical treatments that cure IBS, or medications that effectively treat all the symptoms of IBS. Most medications can treat some symptoms, but may make other symptoms worse, and there is also some evidence that ones they do work, have a placebo effect - meaning they work as long as you believe they do. This is why approaches such as CBT & hypnotherapy can be really effective with IBS, as they harness the healing power of our owns minds and reshape our beliefs about IBS.
IBS can have a huge impact on our quality of life, but with proper management and lifestyle changes, symptoms can often be alleviated. If you suspect you may have IBS, it's essential to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis. Managing IBS involves a combination of dietary modifications, stress management techniques and sometimes counseling or therapy. I would recommend working with a healthcare professional, like myself, who can give you an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support and guidance on managing your symptoms effectively. For further information about my services, click here.
References
Drossman, D.A., Morris, C.B., Schneck, S., Hu, Y.J., Norton, N.J., Norton, W.F., Weinland, S.R., Dalton, C., Leserman, J., Bangdiwala, S.I. (2009) International survey of patients with IBS: symptom features and their severity, health status, treatments, and risk taking to achieve clinical benefit. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Jul;43(6): 541- 50.
Vasant, D.H., Paine, P.A., Black, C.J., Houghton, L.A., Everitt, H.A., Corsetti, M., Agrawal, A., Aziz, I., Farmer, A.D., Eugenicos, M.P., Moss-Morris, R., Yiannakou, Y., Ford, A.C. (2021) British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines on the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gut. Jul;70(7):1214-1240. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324598. Epub 2021 Apr 26. PMID: 33903147.
