Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes pain and / or discomfort in the abdomen and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pains and cramps that arise in crises and can last for days, but pass and come back with a certain periodicity
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea), which improve with evacuation or elimination of gas
- Swelling and enlargement of the abdomen, gas and/or belching
- Noise and perception of bowel movement
- Pain when evacuating and feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Appearance of mucus in stool
- Nausea
Causes
IBS can be triggered by a factor or by the association of several of them, such as:
- Changes in bowel movement – disturbances of bowel movement caused by neurological or muscular hypersensitivity may cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Exaggerated growth of bacteria in the small intestine and other changes in the intestinal flora may be related to the onset of the syndrome
- Emotional problems like stress and anxiety can trigger the syndrome. This is because the bowel is similar to a second brain, which has its own nervous system, and its movements are regulated by the serotonin, humor-related hormone. Stress, anxiety and depression can influence
- Sensitivity to food – allergies, intolerances or sensitivity to specific foods can also result in disease (IBS)
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination.
The presence of alarm symptoms, such as unintentional weight loss, bleeding in the stool, anemia, and inflammatory symptoms such as fever and a palpable mass in the belly may exclude the diagnosis of IBS. In this case, it is imperative to search for a specialist and conduct research, including colonoscopy.
Treatment
Foods that are usually well tolerated by patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are:
- clear teas like fennel and chamomile
- coconut water, natural fruit juice
- sweetener
- diet jelly
- unsweetened boiled fruit
- raw fruits: only banana, apple and pear (without peel)
- gelatine, sago and tapioca
- cooked or steamed vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, chuchu, mandioquinha and pumpkin
- bread or cracker, not whole, in medium quantities
- lean meats
- egg white
- rice, pasta and oats
The syndrome has no cure, however, its symptoms appear in episodes. The patient goes through periods without any manifestation and others with attacks of varied duration. In addition, nuisance can be improved with some care.
It is customary to use medications to try to control the main factor that triggers seizures. For example, if it is an emotional picture, one can make use of antidepressants and tranquilizers recommended by the specialist doctor.
In any case, it is important for those who live with IBS to be aware of certain factors. If this is your case:
- Avoid eating too much food
- Fraction feed by dividing it into 5 or 6 meals per day and in small volume
- Try to alternate foods to avoid deficiencies or excess nutrients
- Eat meals in calm and unhurried surroundings, chewing well
- Take at least two liters of water per day as hydration helps in the functioning of the intestine
- Avoid fried, greasy or spicy foods