Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent digestive disorder that causes a series of symptoms that can last for days or weeks. IBS primarily affects the digestive system with relentless cycles of unpredictable symptoms that cause physical discomfort along with psychological effects such as the potential fear of flare-ups in public situations. This condition can impact your everyday life since symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping and changes in bowel movements can influence your well-being. Do not panic because despite its unpredictable nature, and even if there is no exact cure for it, there are medicines that can control the symptoms.
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary from mild to severe. The main symptoms that patients report are:
Since these symptoms can be similar to other conditions, keeping track of when they occur can help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
A specialised gastroenterologist here at Cornerstone Clinic will be able to evaluate your symptoms and conduct specific tests to determine whether you have IBS. Initially, the doctor will ask about your medical history, and a physical exam of the abdomen will be done to assess the issue. Other tests, such as stool tests, blood tests or more invasive procedures such as colonoscopy, can be required to rule out any other conditions and lead the doctor towards an IBS diagnosis. These checks are done because there are no specific tests to diagnose IBS. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning ruling out other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Keeping a daily journal of what food and medicines have been taken is also handy to help the doctor better analyse the condition.
There are no definite answers as to what causes the condition, however, studies suggest that the colon can get hypersensitive, making it overreact and spasm instead of having slow muscle movements. Other possible causes are:
IBS rarely causes serious complications, but it can substantially influence everyday life. Also, due to the chronic nature of the illness, it is important to obtain help and support from a specialised doctor to control IBS symptoms.
Since there are no exact causes or reasons as to why and if you develop IBS, some changes may be taken into consideration to manage and reduce the frequency of these episodes, which include:
Consult with your doctor if you experience the previously mentioned symptoms more than 3 times a month, if the symptoms are interfering with your daily life and if you experience any of the following:
Remember that you are not alone on this journey and that healthcare specialists and resources are available to assist you in adequately managing IBS.
To book a consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist, Dr Giovanni Leonetti.
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome. During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system.
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