Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the villi of the large intestine, causing symptoms such as periods of diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or bloating in the belly.
The exact cause of this syndrome, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is not fully known, but it is known that factors such as stress, diet or medication use can worsen symptoms.
The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is carried out by a gastroenterologist who may recommend changes in eating habits or the use of medication to alleviate symptoms, control attacks and promote quality of life.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen;
- Periods of diarrhea alternating with constipation;
- Swelling in the belly;
- Excess intestinal gas;
- Improvement of abdominal pain after defecation;
- Sensation of incomplete emptying after evacuation;
- Urgency to evacuate.
Generally, abdominal pain improves when defecating or eliminating intestinal gas, and in some cases there may also be the presence of mucus in the feces.
It is common for people with irritable bowel syndrome to have periods with or without symptoms, and symptoms and intensity can vary from person to person.
Therefore, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist as soon as the first symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome appear so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be started, preventing new attacks.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Online Test
To find out if you are at risk of irritable bowel syndrome, select the symptoms you present in the following test:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is made by a gastroenterologist by evaluating symptoms and performing a physical examination.
Make an appointment with the gastroenterologist in the region closest to you:
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In addition, the doctor may order tests such as complete blood count, thyroid hormones and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Other tests are stool tests, colonoscopy, intestinal biopsy or tissue transglutaminase, for example. Find out how a colonoscopy is performed.
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as celiac disease or gastrointestinal infections, for example.
Possible causes
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not yet well understood, however, it is known that it can arise from a combination of physical and psychological factors, which result in greater movement, reactivity or sensitivity in the intestine.
The main factors that can favor the appearance or worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:
- Genetic factors;
- Stress, anxiety or depression;
- Food intolerance;
- Diet rich in fatty foods;
- Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites;
- Hormonal changes;
- Use of medications.
Therefore, it is important to observe the moment when symptoms appear or intensify, as this way it is possible to identify the cause and begin more targeted treatment.
How treatment is carried out
The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome must be carried out according to the gastroenterologist’s instructions and aims to alleviate symptoms, prevent new attacks and improve quality of life.
Therefore, the doctor may recommend the use of medications, such as mebeverine, calcium polycarbophil or lubiprostone, which help to reduce intestinal spasms and/or relieve diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.
Other medications that may be indicated are antidepressants, to control and treat anxiety or depression, in order to prevent worsening of symptoms or attacks of irritable bowel syndrome.
Read too: Irritable bowel treatment: diet, medicine and other therapies
Diet for irritable bowel syndrome
It is important that the person is monitored by a nutritionist so that it is possible to make some adjustments to their diet, excluding from the diet some foods that may aggravate symptoms, such as foods rich in fat, caffeine, sugar and alcohol, for example. See how to follow an irritable bowel diet.
See what to eat and avoid to alleviate irritable bowel symptoms in the following video:
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