Symptoms Of Ibs
Current statistics indicate that about 5 to 18% of the world population suffers from IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder that manifests as constipation, diarrhea, and cramps due to communication disruption between the brain and gut. Stress and particular food are known as triggers of IBS symptoms. Additionally, IBS is a chronic disorder that might fail to manifest in a section of patients. Classification of IBS relies on whether it occurs with diarrhea, constipation, or both.
Furthermore, doctors recommend that patients avoid medications that relieve diarrhea or constipation because it worsens the condition. Some patients might fail to show these IBS manifestations, but the following comprises the most common signs of the disorder.
Abdominal Pain.
Cramps and pain radiating from the lower region of the abdomen are the critical manifestations of IBS. Since IBS influences how the GIT and brain work together, the disorder will make the muscles of the gut oversensitive, thereby causing denser contraction. These excessive contraction precipitate as lower abdominal cramping and pain. IBS patients register over-sensitivity to fermentable poloyps and the different types of saccharides.
Furthermore, these carbohydrates can cause GIT irritation and inflammation, thereby worsening or eliciting the IBS signs. Additionally, eating polyops can boost the number of bacteria and water entering the gut, promoting intestinal gas production from fermentation. Such food includes onions, lentils, avocado, and garlic. Therefore, consuming a low amount of polyps might improve IBS symptoms.
Constipation.
Constipation is the difficulty of passing excrement and occurs as dry, hard, painful, or an incomplete gut movement. Apart from dehydration, stress, and diet lacking fiber, IBS can lead to constipation due to its effect on GIT muscle contraction. IBS patients with constipation have reduced bowel movement or gut contractions than usual, which allows for more water absorption from the stool.
Diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a significant manifestation of IBS and happens due to the excessive contraction of the GIT and can co-occur with cramps. The regular rhythm of the gut as it relaxes and contracts is affected in IBS, resulting in either slower or faster contractions. The stool is loose and watery, with some instances of mucus. Therefore, depending on this contraction in IBS, constipation, diarrhea, or both can occur at different times.
Bloating.
Bloating is the feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to accumulation of intestinal gas. Physicians do not know the exact cause of the excessive production of gas. Some doctors postulate IBS causes an increase of bacteria in the GIT and production of toxins that cause excessive production of intestinal gas. Additionally, another theory indicates that people suffering from IBS tolerate intestinal gas less than healthy individuals. Furthermore, IBS makes people seem gassier due to reduced gas transport in the GIT.
Stress and fatigue.
Fatigue is a manifestation of the IBS and occurs concurrently with psychological distress lowering the quality of life. Stress and GIT are under the influence of the nervous system. Therefore, stressful events worsen the symptoms of IBS and physically evident as psychological distress. Additionally, IBS might cause brain fog that manifests as impaired judgment, trouble concentrating, and mental confusion.
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