If you’ve ever had to organize your day around finding a bathroom or frequently struggle with bloating and abdominal discomfort, it could be more than just a sensitive stomach. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly known as IBS affects millions globally, yet many continue to suffer quietly, often without clear answers or support.
Let’s take a closer look at what IBS actually is, what might be causing it, and most importantly, how you can manage the symptoms and take back control of your daily life.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder marked by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and shifts in bowel habits—such as diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. These symptoms are considered functional, meaning they occur without any obvious signs of damage or disease in the digestive system. IBS is believed to stem from disruptions in the communication between the brain and the gut, which can impact how the digestive system moves and responds to stimuli.
Symptoms of IBS
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: One of the key symptoms of IBS, often felt as cramping or aching in the stomach area.
- Changes in Bowel Habits:
Constipation: Trouble passing stools, straining, or having infrequent bowel movements.
Diarrhea: Frequent episodes of loose or watery stools
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation: Some people experience both, making bowel habits unpredictable.
- Bloating and Gas: A common complaint, often described as a sensation of fullness or abdominal swelling, frequently accompanied by excess gas.
- Urgency: A sudden and intense need to have a bowel movement, which can be difficult to delay.
- Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: The sensation that a bowel movement wasn’t fully finished, even right after using the bathroom.
- Mucus in Stool: Some individuals may also notice the presence of mucus in their stool, which can be a sign of IBS.
What causes IBS?
Although the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome remains unclear, researchers believe it’s the result of several interacting factors that affect how the gut works. Here’s a breakdown of the most likely contributors:
• Disrupted Brain-Gut Communication: IBS is strongly linked to issues in the way the brain and digestive system communicate. When this connection is off, it can affect how the intestines function and respond to normal digestive processes.
• Increased Gut Sensitivity: People with IBS often have a more sensitive digestive system. This means even regular activities like eating or digestion can cause discomfort or pain.
• Abnormal Muscle Movement in the Gut: In IBS, the muscles in the digestive tract may contract too forcefully or too weakly. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.
• Gut Microbiome Imbalance: An imbalance in the bacteria living in the intestines may contribute to IBS symptoms by affecting digestion and inflammation.
• Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety and depression don’t directly cause IBS, but they can worsen symptoms by influencing the gut’s nervous system.
• Dietary Triggers: Certain foods can provoke symptoms in sensitive individuals. Common triggers include high FODMAP foods (fermentable carbs), lactose, gluten & caffeine.
• Aftermath of Infections: Some people develop IBS following a bout of gastroenteritis or food poisoning, a condition known as post-infectious IBS.
IBS Diagnosis: When to see a doctor?
If you’ve been experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms—such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both—for more than three months, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent symptoms may indicate IBS, but they can also be signs of other digestive disorders, some of which require different treatments.
IBS doesn’t appear on standard diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or endoscopies because it’s classified as a functional disorder—meaning there are no visible structural or biochemical issues in the gut. Nevertheless, these tests remain important, as your doctor will use them to exclude other potential causes of your symptoms before confirming an IBS diagnosis.
Some conditions your doctor may want to rule out include:
• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that can damage the small intestine and cause symptoms similar to IBS.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which involve inflammation and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea & weight loss.
• Lactose Intolerance or other food sensitivities: Difficulty digesting certain foods, particularly dairy, can mimic IBS symptoms.
IBS Treatment: Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms
Managing IBS naturally can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms. Since IBS affects everyone differently, it’s important to find the right approach that works for you. Here are some natural strategies to help manage the condition:
➢ Adjust Your Diet: Try a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides & polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine) diet and increase soluble fiber (oats, apples). Add probiotics to support gut health.
➢ Manage Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to reduce stress-related symptoms.
➢ Stay Active: Regular exercise supports digestion and reduces stress.
➢ Sleep Well: Poor sleep can worsen IBS—aim for consistent rest.
➢ Drink Water: Hydration helps prevent constipation and supports digestion.
➢ Try Acupuncture: May help relieve symptoms and reduce tension.
➢ Track Triggers: Keep a food diary to spot and avoid symptom triggers.
➢ Consider Enzymes: Digestive enzyme supplements may ease bloating.
➢ Use Herbal Remedies: Peppermint oil, ginger, and chamomile tea can ease cramps, bloating, and nausea.
IBS Risk Factors
• Age: More common under 50.
• Gender: Affects women more often.
• Family History: Higher risk if IBS runs in the family.
• Stress & Mental Health: Linked to anxiety, depression & trauma.
• Infections: Past stomach infections or food poisoning.
• Food Sensitivities: Certain foods may trigger symptoms.
• Antibiotics: Frequent use may disrupt gut balance.
IBS Complications
IBS can lead to several complications that affect daily life. Persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits may cause fatigue and disrupt sleep. Avoiding trigger foods can result in nutritional deficiencies, while the ongoing discomfort often impacts work,
travel, and social activities. IBS is also linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, further affecting overall well-being and quality of life.
IBS Treatment at Lourdes Hospital – Gastroenterology Department
Lourdes Hospital in Kochi provides specialized care for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through its advanced Department of Gastroenterology, led by Dr. Dawney Zachariah. The department offers a holistic, patient-centered approach to digestive health.
Key Services:
• Comprehensive Care: Diagnosis and management of a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, available through both outpatient & inpatient services.
• Advanced Endoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures like EGD (upper GI endoscopy), colonoscopy & ERCP for bile and pancreatic issues.
• Liver Clinic: Focused treatment for liver-related conditions including jaundice, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Ano-Proctology Clinic: Expert care for conditions like piles, fissures & other anorectal disorders.
For IBS, treatment typically includes a combination of medical therapy and individualized diet plans. The Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics team works closely with patients to provide tailored dietary guidance, helping to manage symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
Living with IBS: Everyday Tips
• Track Triggers: Keep a food and symptom journal.
• Eat Wisely: Smaller meals, chew slowly, avoid common triggers (spicy, fatty foods, caffeine).
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, limit fizzy drinks.
• Stay Active: Light exercise helps digestion.
• Sleep Well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
• Manage Stress: Practice deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
• Be Prepared: Carry snacks, water, and any meds when out.
• Seek Support: Mental health matters-consider therapy or CBT.
• Get Guidance: Work with a gastroenterologist and dietitian.
Conclusion
While IBS is a chronic condition, it doesn’t have to define your daily life. With the right tools, lifestyle adjustments & support, you can manage your symptoms and feel more in control. If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive issues, know that you’re not alone — IBS impacts up to
15% of people worldwide. By identifying your triggers and making steady, manageable changes, you can ease discomfort and start feeling like yourself again — naturally.
