World Digestive Health Day 2023: Identification of causes, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

WDHD 2023: Every year on 29 May, people across the world celebrate World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) to raise awareness about digestive disorders and the importance of early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

The theme for World Digestive Health Day 2023 is “Your Digestive Health: A Healthy Gut from the Start,” Which promotes the importance of a balanced diet in promoting optimal digestive function and microbiome health. The major objective of this health program is to encourage a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the importance of having a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the overall digestive system. Most people with IBS can experience normal bowel movements on some days and a variety of symptoms on other days.

In an exclusive conversation with Zee English, Dr Vipulroy Rathod, Director-Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital shares the symptoms, causes and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Dr. Vipulroy Rathod says, “Though it is not life-threatening, it can affect a person’s quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand your digestive system and the way it functions, because at any stage of life I’m likely to develop IBS.” ,

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Typically, the symptoms and severity of IBS vary from person to person, as well as how long it lasts.

Various symptoms may indicate IBS such as bloating, gas, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, or both.

Other symptoms may be changes in the appearance of bowel movements or in the frequency of bowel movements.

One may also have a feeling of incomplete emptying of the stomach, mucus in stool or increase in gases.

In case of severe symptoms like weight loss, rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, or unexplained vomiting, you should immediately check with your doctor as this is also a sign of colon cancer.

Therefore, if you are experiencing frequent changes in bowel movements or any other symptoms related to IBS, you should consider seeing a medical specialist.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

Although there are a large number of IBS cases, the exact cause of IBS is still unknown. Many factors can trigger IBS. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract moves food through muscle contractions in your digestive tract.

Disturbance in the functioning of GI muscles can lead to gas, bloating, diarrhea or slow down the passage of food, leading to hard and dry stools.

Many bacterial or viral infections can also affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to other health problems.

Another reason could be miscommunication between the brain and the gut, this is also called ‘brain-gut dysfunction’.

IBS symptoms are more common in people with early life stress due to work or lifestyle events.

How to Diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The diagnosis of IBS is more of a diagnosis than deduction of other possibilities. Hence, it is important for the patient to get some investigations done such as:

– blood test

– abdominal ultrasound

– CT Scan/Colonoscopy

“Any patient above the age of 45 should undergo these tests before labeling the patient with the diagnosis of IBS,” advises Dr. Vipulroy.

The reason for the investigation is that sometimes the patient may be suffering from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease). Therefore a definite diagnosis is imperative before starting an intervention.

treatment plan for irritable bowel syndrome

IBS can be treated through simple lifestyle modifications, dietary management and de-stressing with the help of expert guidance.

Treatment will again vary from person to person, according to the symptoms and triggers that cause IBS. The doctor can help you find the right treatment plan and suggest necessary dietary changes.

Changes may include avoiding gluten foods, consuming more fiber, or following a special diet known as a low-FODMAP diet.

Dr. Vipulroy concluded, “It is important to keep a record of the food you eat and find out which foods trigger or aggravate IBS flare-ups. Regular exercise, abstinence from smoking, eating small meals at regular intervals, And relaxation techniques like yoga, pranayama and meditation will help an IBS patient manage the condition, and have better control over their bowels.”

In addition to ensuring adequate nutrition, effective digestion also supports a strong immune system and efficient organ function.