Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be disruptive, uncomfortable and painful. If you have IBS, your doctor can recommend treatment options that can help alleviate those symptoms. However, while there are treatments, is IBS curable?
What is IBS?
Approximately 12 percent of people in the United States have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, also known as your colon.
While it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your intestines, but it can be long-lasting and seriously affect your quality of life. The American College of Gastroenterology calls IBS a functional GI disorder – this means there’s no visible inflammation or structural problem, but your digestive system isn’t functioning quite right.
Multiple types of types of IBS exist:
- IBS-D: diarrhea-predominant
- IBS-C: constipation-predominant
- IBS-M: mixed type, with both diarrhea and constipation
“Patients typically experience abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramping and flatulence,” Sanjana Iddyadinesh, DO, a family medicine physician in our Greenville market, shares.
If you’re noticing these symptoms, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to discuss them. They may consider ordering tests that can try to either eliminate or diagnose you with IBS.
How to diagnose IBS
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it has been linked to things like oversensitive nerves in the gut and food passing through the gut too quickly. However, this makes diagnosing IBS less straightforward.
Diagnosing IBS can be tricky because there’s no single test that confirms it. Instead, your provider relies on a combination of your symptoms, medical history and tests to rule out other conditions.
Most doctors use something called the Rome IV criteria to help identify IBS. Your gastroenterologist may be able to diagnose IBS if you’ve had:
- Recurrent abdominal pain at least one day a week for the past three months
- Changes in stool frequency or appearance, or pain related to bowel movements.
Your doctor may also:
- Ask about your diet, stress levels and family history
- Run blood tests, stool tests or even a colonoscopy to rule out other conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infections
It’s important to note that IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means your doctor wants to make sure something more serious isn’t causing your symptoms.
If you’re experiencing red flags like unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia or symptoms that start after age 50, your provider may recommend further testing to rule out more serious conditions.
Who is at risk for developing IBS?
Women are more at risk of developing IBS than men, along with those who have a family history of IBS and are under the age of 50. Unfortunately, this disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but there are a few things doctors see as red flags.
“One of the main things we look for is does the patient have recurrent abdominal pain that occurs at least an average of one day per week in the last three months,” Dr. Iddyadinesh shares. “We also check for abdominal pain that is related to having a bowel movement.”
Is IBS curable?
Is IBS curable?
IBS is not curable right now, but it’s manageable.
Consider IBS like other chronic conditions, such as asthma or migraines. While there may not be a one-time fix or “cure,” there are plenty of effective ways to keep symptoms under control and improve your quality of life.
In fact, many people with IBS go through long periods without symptoms once they find the right combination of lifestyle changes, diet and treatments.
How can you manage IBS symptoms?
Treatment for IBS depends on your specific symptoms and what triggers them. Some people can control their IBS symptoms by limiting stress and making lifestyle changes. Dietary changes, such as limiting sugar intake among other things can also help.
Diet changes
Making some changes to what you eat can reduce or eliminate symptoms of IBS.
- Low FODMAP diet: Some foods contain FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) that cause pain and bloating in people with IBS. Cutting back on these carbohydrates that can minimize symptoms. Many people find relief by working with a registered dietitian trained in IBS and FODMAPs.
- Avoiding common triggers: For some, caffeine, fatty foods or artificial sweeteners are triggers for symptoms.
“Avoiding lactose, gluten and gas-producing foods can help keep IBS symptoms at bay,” Dr. Iddyadinesh adds.
Stress management
Stress doesn’t cause IBS, but it can make symptoms worse. Mind-body therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation and even yoga can help.
Medication
If needed, different medications can treat those who suffer from more severe symptoms.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
- Antispasmodics for cramping
- Laxatives or anti-diarrheals
- Prescription medications specifically approved for IBS
“We recommend anti-spasmodic medications for the spasms that cause pain in the abdomen,” Dr. Iddyadinesh says. “We also recommend anti-constipation/diarrhea medications.”
Probiotics
Some people with IBS benefit from certain probiotics. The science is still evolving, but certain strains have shown promise in improving symptoms for patients with IBS.
How we can help
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, remember that it’s a chronic condition that needs long-term management. However, while the symptoms are uncomfortable, it doesn’t cause permanent damage.
“IBS doesn’t cause any changes in the bowel tissue and doesn’t increase your risk of colorectal cancer,” Dr. Iddyadinesh states.
If you notice signs of irritable bowel syndrome, reach out to a gastroenterologist. They will go through your medical history and ask about your symptoms. This will allow them to make informed recommendations of the best treatment options for you.
Learn about the digestive health and gastroenterology services we offer at Bon Secours.
