Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not life-threatening, and it doesn't increase your chances of getting other colon conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or colon cancer. But it can be a long-lasting problem that can affect the way you live your life. In this article we talk about IBS and when to call our home GP for IBS in Manilva.
What is IBS?
IBS is a gastrointestinal condition that can cause chronic discomfort. Yet most people aren't likely to suffer serious complications.
IBS is also referred to by people as spastic colitis, mucous colitis and nervous colon. It is a chronic condition with symptoms that tend to change over the years and improve as individuals learn to manage the condition.
Until recently, scientists were not sure what caused IBS, but there is growing evidence that microbes can trigger a long-term reaction during infectious gastroenteritis.
Is it IBS?
If you are not sure it is IBS, look out for the following symptoms listed by our home GP for IBS in Manilva:
- Pain and crumps: The most common symptom of IBS is lower abdominal pain, which is less severe following a bowel move. Changes in diet, stress-reducing therapies, and certain medications may help to reduce pain.
- Diarrhea: Repeated, loose stools are normal in IBS, which are a symptom of the prevalent form of diarrhea. Stools can contain mucus, as well.
- Constipation: Constipation is very common in IBS. However, symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain that improves after bowel movement and a sensation of incomplete bowel movement after passing stool.
- Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea: About 20 per cent of patients with IBS experience diarrhea and constipation. Throughout each phase, they continue to experience pain relieved by bowel movements.
- Changes in Bowel Movements: IBS affects the amount of time stool left in the intestines. It affects the amount of water in the stool, going from soft and watery to stiff and dry.
- Gas and Bloating: Pain and bloating are among the most common and debilitating signs of IBS. Following a diet low in FODMAPs will help lower bloating.
- Food Intolerance: Many people who have IBS identify different food stimuli. Any specific causes include FODMAPs, such as caffeine, and stimulants.
- Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping: People of IBS are more fatigued than those without it, and experience less relaxing sleep. Fatigue and poor quality of sleep are also associated with greater gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Anxiety and Depression: IBS can produce a vicious loop of digestive symptoms which increases depression and anxiety which increases the symptoms of digestion. Attempting to tackle anxiety may help diminish other symptoms.
When to call our home GP for IBS in Manilva
Call our home GP for IBS in Manilva if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. More-serious signs and symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea at night
- Rectal bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Unexplained vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement