You are tired with gas, your stomach hurts often, something is overflowing in it? It could be Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Its symptoms are often underestimated - ascribed to indigestion, dietary mistakes or a stressful lifestyle. Meanwhile, IBS is a chronic disease that, if left untreated, can make life very difficult. What are the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and what should lead to IBS diagnosis?
Irritable bowel syndrome - IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) for short is a very common disease of the gastrointestinal tract - almost 30% of patients suffer from it. adult population. Its causes are not entirely clear - disorders of the intestinal microflora, as well as sedentary work, lack of physical activity and a hard-to-digest diet, or long-term use of medications, including over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are considered the most likely.
IBS symptoms worsen under stress (which is why IBS was formerly referred to as intestinal neurosis). The disease is chronic, and although it is not life-threatening and does not increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, it can make life very difficult, and is also a frequent cause of sick leave.
IBS diagnosis includes a medical history, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity (which allows to exclude other ailments), sometimes the doctor also orders laboratory tests - morphology, CRP, fecal calprotectin determination, stool examination for parasitic infections, as well as serological tests in towards celiac disease. In justified cases, tests for SIBO syndrome or food intolerance are ordered.
What symptoms should prompt you to see a doctor and diagnose irritable bowel syndrome?
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
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So far, it has not been possible to clearly establish the cause of the disease, therefore the therapy is aimed at relieving the symptoms.
Due to the important role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS, it seems important to care for its beneficial modification. This can be achieved with the help of an appropriate diet or probiotics, i.e. live microorganisms, which - when given in appropriate amounts - have a beneficial he alth effect. However, the recommendations recommend prudent usestrains tested for efficacy and safety1 .