Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a medical condition that affects 10–15 percent of the population. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and bowel disturbances (constipation, diarrhea). According to Bayhealth Gastroenterologist Raghu D. Kottam, MD, "IBS symptoms are the most common reason people visit gastroenterologists and are a top cause of missed work due to illness."

Since April is IBS Awareness Month here's what else you should know about IBS, and Dr. Kottam's recommendations for treating it.

"There are multiple types of IBS: diarrhea-dominant, constipation-dominant and a mix of the two, which is the most common," explains Dr. Kottam. "In women, there can also be extra-intestinal manifestations, including painful intercourse, painful urination, and problems related to menstruation."

IBS cannot be prevented, and it can occur at any age and in any gender. "Although there are no real risk factors for IBS, it is more likely in women — in a ratio of 2:1 women to men — and is more common in young women," said Dr. Kottam.

According to Dr. Kottam, treatments for IBS consist of: dietary changes, including increasing fiber intake (most helpful for constipation) and avoiding dairy (most helpful for diarrhea); over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications such as antispasmodics, antidiarrheal drugs, etc.; and techniques for alleviating stress.

"Treatment depends on symptoms, and there's no way to get rid of IBS," said Dr. Kottam. "You just need to manage the symptoms. For example, IBS can be associated with lactose intolerance, so dairy avoidance can be helpful in those cases. Symptoms may also wax and wane depending on how much stress you are experiencing — and we will always be experiencing some amount of stress. If you experience frequent flare-ups, you need prescription medications and to be followed by a gastroenterologist."

If you can't get your symptoms under control with dietary changes, stress management techniques, and medications (OTC and prescription), or you are experiencing continual, excessive weight loss and/or persistent pain, or bloody stools, Dr. Kottam says you could have a more serious condition. "In these cases, a gastroenterologist needs to do further testing (e.g., a colonoscopy) to rule out other conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and even colon cancer," said Dr. Kottam.

Find your Bayhealth Physician at bayhealth.org/physicians or by calling 1-866-BAY-DOCS.