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Irritable bowel syndrome – Symptoms and management options

Irritable bowel syndrome – Symptoms and management options

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly called IBS, disrupts the gut function. More than 3 million people in the country currently deal with this condition. While it doesn’t harm the gut itself, its symptoms can be quite irksome and persistent, affecting daily life. These symptoms and their intensity may vary across individuals, so understanding them can help individuals determine which management techniques to use to address the condition.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

Bloating and gas

One of the most common symptoms is bloating, wherein the abdomen feels heavy and swollen. Bloating is often accompanied by gas and flatulence, particularly after meals, which can further worsen the discomfort.

Abdominal pain or cramps

Besides bloating, abdominal pain is a common IBS symptom. In most cases, the pain occurs after meals and may resolve after a restroom break.

Irregular bowel movements

Bowel habits can vary between people. However, because of IBS, one can experience some unusual changes in their bowel movements. Having to go much more often or far less than usual, for instance, are common signs of IBS. Apart from that, one may experience more frequent, sudden urges to use the bathroom.

Diarrhea or constipation

IBS is usually categorized based on the type of bowel pattern individuals experience. Those who mainly experience constipation have IBS-C, those who mostly deal with frequent diarrhea have IBS-D, and those who experience mixed bowel patterns have IBS-M.

While IBS doesn’t always cause diarrhea or constipation, it is the kind of bowel pattern that helps determine the IBS type they fall under. These symptoms also tend to fluctuate. This means individuals may sometimes experience loose stools or frequent bowel movements, whereas, at other times, they may experience hard stools, straining, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.

Indigestion

Indigestion refers to the discomfort, heaviness, or pain felt in the upper abdomen while food is being digested. Some may experience a burning sensation or an unsettled stomach after meals. While indigestion is common, frequent or recurring episodes usually point toward underlying digestive issues, including IBS. In that case, individuals may also notice some IBS and indigestion symptoms overlapping.

Management options for IBS

Adjusting food habits

Some food items, especially those high in FODMAPs, usually trigger IBS symptoms. FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are harder for the gut to digest. They can ferment in the intestines, which leads to bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. But while high FODMAP foods can usually trigger symptoms, it is possible for individuals to have trigger foods outside that group. This is why understanding gut sensitivity to specific foods becomes so important when managing IBS.

Individuals with IBS may also need to monitor their fiber intake. Those with IBS-C typically benefit from increased soluble fiber intake, whereas those with IBS-D may need to reduce certain high-fiber foods. 

By identifying and limiting trigger foods, one can create a personalized, gut-friendly meal plan that helps reduce flare-ups.

Drinking more water

Staying well hydrated is particularly important for individuals with IBS-C. Drinking enough water helps soften stools, which makes bowel movements easier.

Exercising regularly

Those who remain physically active often experience better bowel patterns than those who spend prolonged hours sitting. An effective way to manage IBS through lifestyle changes is to maintain a consistent exercise routine. It doesn’t even have to be intense workouts; simple activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can work just fine.

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