All about IBS and the causes you may not know about

But how do you tell the difference between normal gut issues and IBS? When should you seek help? And what treatments are available?

Anyone who has suffered irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) knows how uncomfortable it can be. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and bloating, and often show up all at the same time. While it can be worse for some than others, IBS is considered a chronic condition that must be managed long-term.

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In this article:

• Who does IBS affect
• Different types of IBS
• Causes of IBS
• Signs and symptoms
• When to seek help
• Managing IBS
• Medical treatment options

Who does IBS affect?

Worldwide, it’s estimated that 5-10 per cent of the population has IBS².

IBS affects people of all ages, even children. However, it’s more common in females and people under 50.

There are other risk factors too.

“If you have family member(s) with IBS, you are more likely to suffer from it. A severe infection, especially in the gut and digestive tract during childhood, can also increase the risk of developing IBS,” says Founder of Renovatio Bioscience and Co-chair of TEDxNewtown, Dr Vincent Candrawinata³.

Different types of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome can present in three different ways⁴:

1. Constipation-predominant. Alternating bouts of constipation with normal stools.
2. Diarrhoea-predominant. Frequent loose stools with an urgency to go to the toilet, and potential incontinence issues.
3. Alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Both of the above can come and go.

What are the causes of IBS that we know of?

There are many causes of IBS. Common triggers include⁴:

• Emotional stress
• Infection such as an episode of gastro
• Food intolerance/diet
• Medications such as antibiotics, antacids, and painkillers
• Regulation between the brain and the gut malfunctioning

Signs and symptoms of IBS include:

• Cramping
• Abdominal pain, often relieved by passing wind or faeces
• Bloating and abdominal distension
• Gas
• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation, or both
• A feeling of incomplete bowel movement

“Symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation are not only physically straining but can also affect someone’s social life and daily routine,” says Dr Candrawinata.

“While most cases of IBS are mild to moderate, there is about 20 per cent of cases that are considered severe. Unlike an everyday tummy ache, which goes away within a day or two, IBS can last a few weeks or even months.”

When should you seek help and how?

If you have concerns about your symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your GP who can determine if you need to be referred to a specialist or not.

“There’s no test to diagnose IBS but specialist doctors, called gastroenterologists, use specific criteria to identify the disorder and rule out other conditions,” says Dr Candrawinata.

See your doctor if:

• Your symptoms are chronic or ongoing
• You notice blood in your stools
• You have a fever or severe diarrhea
• You experience unexplained or unintentional weight loss

What does managing IBS look like?

There is no permanent fix for IBS. However, a range of treatment options can help manage flare-ups and alleviate symptoms.

Self-management treatments include:

• Eating a balanced diet. Eliminate foods that trigger your symptoms and avoid heavily processed foods and fried foods that can cause inflammation in the body.
• Maintaining a routine. Eat at regular times to help your system regulate the gut and digestive functions. Don't skip meals or drastically change your diet.
• Exercise. Getting active helps our circulation and regulates our bodily functions including our digestive system.
• Talking to health professionals. A psychologist can offer you strategies for dealing with negative thoughts.

Medical treatment options include:

• Antidiarrhoea medication
• Laxatives for constipation
• Antispasmodic drugs, which may ease cramping