Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder affecting the large intestine, with key symptoms including cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, excessive gas, and either diarrhea or constipation, or both.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered a chronic condition that requires long-term management, but it does not cause changes in the tissues of the intestines nor does it increase the risk of colon cancer.
Conditions that necessitate a doctor’s visit include:
1. Weight loss.
2. Nighttime diarrhea.
3. Blood in the stool.
4. Anemia (related to iron deficiency).
5. Unexplained vomiting.
6. Difficulty swallowing.
7. Persistent pain that does not improve after passing gas or after a bowel movement
Major triggers for this syndrome include:
1. Food: Many individuals experience worsening symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome when consuming specific foods or drinks, including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated beverages.
2. Psychological stress: Most individuals with irritable bowel syndrome report worse symptoms during periods of increased psychological stress, although stress does not cause the syndrome itself, it can exacerbate it.
3. Hormonal changes: Women are approximately twice as likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome compared to men, which may indicate the role that hormonal changes play, as symptoms are often reported to worsen during or before a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Notable complications of the syndrome include:
1. Chronic diarrhea or constipation can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
2. Decreased quality of life.
3. Mood disorders.
Dr. Akram Abd Al-Hassan
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Respiratory Diseases, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Diabetes
