A healthy living blog from Marshfield Clinic Health System

Understanding irritable bowel syndrome

Graphic of man in bathroom waiting urgently for the toilet - Irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may include gas, constipation, diarrhea and bloating.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut that can lead to a variety of symptoms.

“In order to diagnose IBS, the dominant symptom has to be pain associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits,” said Dr. Lisa Jones, a Marshfield Clinic gastroenterologist. “Generally, in this condition, either the gut moves too fast or too slow. A mixed bowel pattern including both constipation and diarrhea is also possible.”

Jones said there is not a clear cause for IBS. Potential causes include changes in intestinal bacteria, gut sensitivity, inflammation and changes in communication between the gut and brain.

“If you went to a foreign country and got sick with a gastrointestinal bug, you could then develop IBS,” Jones said. “That’s a hint to us that a change in the bacteria of the gut leads to hypersensitivity in the gut and potentially IBS.”

She added, “Food is often a trigger for IBS, whether it is what you eat or when you eat.”

How serious is it?

Jones said most with IBS have mild symptoms, but for those with severe symptoms, IBS can be a very difficult diagnosis to live with. In addition to pain, those symptoms may include gas, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. IBS also is linked to stress, depression and anxiety.

Treating IBS

“Because there is not one known cause of IBS, treatments are varied, and that can be frustrating for patients,” Jones said.

Jones’ approach to IBS is first to establish a good relationship with her patients and gather as much information about their health and habits as possible. That way, Jones may be able to understand individual triggers of IBS for each patient.

Jones said she prefers to start with understanding the lifestyle of the patient before prescribing medication, but other providers may start medication sooner.

Specific diets have been shown to improve symptoms of IBS, but Jones recommends speaking with your care provider or a dietitian before starting one of these diets. Being too restrictive in your diet also can cause IBS symptoms.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of IBS, talk with your provider.

Care My Way® gives quick treatment for common conditions like constipation. Download the app to get started.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

View our comment policy