Bowel movement is a basic life process which we all go through. Most people with a healthy metabolism may have 1 to 3 bowel motions in a day depending on their age, diet and extent of physical activity. Elimination of wastes from the body via bowel movement is important for the overall function and maintenance of health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS is a fairly common disorder which impacts the overall abdominal region. A syndrome is not any one particular condition but a mix of many different symptoms which are closely associated with one another. IBS is a syndrome of the bowel and hence the symptoms it manifests are majorly related to the GI tract. Parts of the digestive system impacted by the condition are - Stomach, Small Intestine and Large Intestine or broadly the Gastrointestinal Tract. Rely on the best gastroenterologist hospital in Baner Pune, for IBS treatment in Pune, as we have highly experienced gastroenterologists who can guide you well.
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a gastrological disorder. Hence, most of the symptoms are noticeable in the abdominal region. Some of the most common symptoms are:
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Abdominal cramps
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Abdominal pain
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Constant bloating
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Gas or flatulence
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Recurrent diarrhea
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Long term constipation
Some other uncommon or overlooked symptoms of IBS include:
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Bad breath
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Nausea
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Mindfog
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Boils and ulcers in the mouth.
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Coated tongue
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Skin issues and breakouts
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Chronic fatigue
What Causes IBS?
IBS may be caused by various conditions, environmental, or underlying diseases. Some people are predisposed to IBS more than others. A family history of gastric disorders also increases one’s chances of developing IBS. There are several underlying issues and or diseases which may lead to IBS. Below is a list of common causes and environmental triggers which aggravate IBS:
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Constipation
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A genetic inheritance or family history of IBS.
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Pregnancy
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Hormonal Imbalance
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Intestinal disorders
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Stress
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Bacterial infection
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Low dietary fibre intake
How do I know if I have IBS?
If you have one or more of the above-listed symptoms for more than two weeks then you must consult a doctor. Your doctor will do a thorough physical exam and may recommend a few tests to ensure the symptoms are not caused by some infection.
Is IBS a serious condition?
IBS in itself is more of an inconvenience which over prolonged periods of time can lead to secondary infections and or diseases.
How to Prevent IBS?
Taking good care of your diet is the first step towards preventing IBS. Here is what you can do:
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Healthy Diet
A diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables can help prevent IBS.
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Regular Checkup
Annual health checkups can help detect underlying conditions well in advance so as to treat them before any major disorder develops.
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Regular Exercise
Mild exercise as per age and physical fitness should be done on a regular basis to promote a healthy gut.
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Probiotics
As bacterial infections can also trigger IBS, therefore, maintaining the good bacteria in the gut is very important. Consumption of probiotics like curd is beneficial for health.
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Fibre Intake
Fibre intake promotes bowel movement and therefore eating foods rich in fibre can be beneficial.
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Proper Sleep
Proper sleep and ample rest help maintain a body clock rhythm or a circadian rhythm. Therefore, maintaining a proper and regular sleep schedule is very important for the maintenance of health.
IBS can be prevented by making mindful eating choices, leading an active lifestyle and taking good care of yourself. If you ever experience anything amiss, you must consult the best gastroenterologist in Baner, Pune immediately for a timely diagnosis and treatment of any gastro-issue. Explore our blog page to gather more information on various lifestyle topics.