In this section, we take a look at some common misunderstandings regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We discuss what causes IBS, what you should know about making changes to your diet and exercise routine, and when you should call our home emergency doctor in Fuengirola.
1. "Fancy tests" are the only way that doctors can diagnose IBS
The diagnosis of IBS does not require any complicated tests. If they use the appropriate clinical criteria, medical professionals will be able to diagnose IBS with 97% accuracy.
2. IBS causes are known
Despite the fact that research is uncovering more about IBS, the root cause of the condition is still unknown.
Although eating dairy products or foods that are particularly spicy may bring on symptoms, these foods do not bring on the condition themselves.
On the other hand, bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni are sometimes to blame for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. There is treatment for IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition for which there is currently no known treatment and for which medication may at best merely provide symptomatic relief.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by stress
Research conducted in recent years has suggested that the levels of mental stress influence the composition of gut bacteria and play a key role in IBS via the gut-brain axis.
Having said that, people who have irritable bowel syndrome and those who do not generally experience the same levels of stress. This suggests that it may not be the stress itself but rather how people deal with it that determines whether or not they will experience IBS symptoms.
5. IBS is relatively uncommon
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the interaction between the gut and the brain that is often chronic, incapacitating, and common.
The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Europe is estimated to range between 10 and 15 percent of the total population.
6. Avoiding lactose is beneficial
A recent study found that there is no definitive link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance, despite the fact that many patients with IBS report intolerance to milk.
Because lactose intolerance affects approximately two-thirds of the world's population, it is not unheard of for a person to have both lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This suggests that avoiding dairy products may be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with the digestive tract.
7. Exercising of any kind is beneficial for people with IBS
Exercise can be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but not all forms of exercise are the same.
Exercise in a competitive setting doesn't reduce stress; it increases it. The same thing holds true for lifting weights at the gym, especially if you have to pay a lot of attention to the type of weight you're lifting, how you're pulling this muscle, and how you're pushing that muscle.
8. Treatment with natural remedies is effective for IBS
There is some evidence that using natural treatments like peppermint oil and cardamom can help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastric ulcers. On the other hand, there hasn't been a lot of research done on natural remedies, so it's possible that they aren't always effective.
9. There is a diet specifically for people who have IBS
There is no one diet that is recommended to treat IBS. Diets are dynamic in addition to being individualised. Because there is no one diet that is best for all different kinds of people, there is also no one diet that is best for people at all times.
10. Consuming fibre can be beneficial for IBS
Fibre may be helpful for patients who suffer from chronic constipation. However, an excessive amount of fibre can cause bloating due to an increase in the amount of gas produced in the digestive tract.
Home emergency doctor in Fuengirola
If you experience a sudden change in the severity of your IBS symptoms, your treatment does not help improve your symptoms, or you experience sudden severe abdominal pain or diarrhoea, you should contact our home emergency doctor in Fuengirola as soon as you can.