There are people who have daily discomfort in the form of gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain.. In these cases it should not be ruled out that these symptoms correspond to irritable bowel syndrome. If the doctor confirms this diagnosis then the problem should be treated in the best possible way.
Lifestyle changes are the best way to improve this condition. In addition, there are medications that manage to keep the discomfort under control in the most critical moments, which allows you to lead a normal life.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel is what is commonly known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).. It is a condition that gives a lot of discomfort to people who suffer from it, and whose main symptom is pain in the abdominal area, but it is customary to also suffer flatulence and diarrhea.
In spite of this, the irritable colon can improve without symptoms. Some habits have been detected that allow a normal life and are explained below.
It is important to remember that before self-medicating, it is important to see a doctor who will determine if the symptoms are due to irritable bowel disease.
Causes
The exact causes that trigger irritable bowel disease are not known, but it is known that there are factors that cause irritable bowel disease.However, it is known that there are factors that favor its appearance. For example, abdominal pain may be due to some degree to alterations in the contractions of the muscles surrounding the intestine.
These contractions are generally present to move food along the digestive tract. However, if these contractions last longer than they should, they cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.
The reasons that cause alterations in the contractions are unknown, but there is an obvious relationship with the nervous system. The nervous system has multiple endings in the intestine, which is why stress has direct repercussions on the digestive system.
There are three main factors that favor the appearance of irritable colon: diet, stress and hormonal changes (especially in women). For example, with regard to food, wheat and dairy products are known to be foods that cause discomfort.
It has also been observed that bacteria can cause complications, and an episode of gastroenteritis with diarrhea can affect the state of the intestine. The alteration of the intestinal microflora may be caused by unhealthy eating habits and continuous and persistent stomach infections.
Stress is another factor that seems to be determinant in the appearance of irritable colon and in the intensity of pain. Although it is not really the cause of this condition, it is common that during periods of intense stress the discomfort increases.
Statistically, women suffer more frequently from irritable bowel syndrome. During menstrual periods the symptoms intensify, so it is believed that it could be related to hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea are the three most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.. These symptoms are very clear and evident and vary in pain intensity. At least two of them must be present to be considered irritable bowel syndrome.
Normally the abdominal pain is localized in a specific point that is relieved after going to the bathroom. On the other hand, the intestinal rhythm can be very altered, even suffering diarrhea and constipation in a short period of time.
On the other hand, in many cases there is also a premature satiety at the moment of eating, as well as a burning in the chest. The presence of mucus in the stool is also a symptom to be taken into consideration.
All these symptoms may present some episodes where the intensity of the pain is changeable. Some of them diminish until they disappear. There are people whose discomfort, however, is constant and gradually increases.
The recommendation is that, even if these symptoms disappear momentarily, the patient should see a doctor. It is necessary to receive an integral treatment that prevents the appearance of the symptomatology.
There are symptoms that should be attended urgently: weight loss without apparent cause, diarrhea at night, rectal bleeding, vomiting without apparent cause, difficulty in swallowing or persistent pain that is not relieved by evacuation or expulsion of gas,
Finally, it should be noted that if other symptoms are present, it could be a different disease.
Treatment
Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is comprehensive and involves different approaches.. The first measure to treat this syndrome is the change in eating habits. Foods that worsen symptoms and discomfort should be eliminated.
Adopting a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits and fiber is a fundamental measure to eliminate the symptoms and discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome. The Mediterranean diet can work very well for this purpose, as well as consuming probiotic foods.
The doctor will recommend a drug, especially to alleviate the discomfort of the predominant symptom. Even so, it is best if it is a temporary treatment that serves only as an auxiliary.
This is the case of laxatives or antidiarrheals (as the case may be), spasmolytics, linaclotide and antidepressants. The latter are used to regulate the mechanism of action in the intestine.
Psychotherapy, acupuncture and various relaxation techniques may also be advisable as part of the treatment. In fact, another very important measure is to reduce the episodes of stress, since it is one of the causes that increase the intensity of the discomfort.