आरोग्यम् परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थ साधनम्। सर्वारोग्य प्रदातारं नमामि दिव्य वैद्यनुत्।।
व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखं। आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम्॥
पुनर्वित्तं पुनर्मित्रं पुनर्भार्या पुनर्मही। एतत्सर्वं पुनर्लभ्यं न शरीरं पुनः पुनः।।
भोजनाग्रे सदा पथ्यं लवणाद्रकभक्षणम्। अग्निसन्दीपनम् रूच्यं जिह्वाकण्ठविशोधनं।।
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also called IBS, is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that impacts the stomach and intestines. Common symptoms include cramps, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
The symptoms are severe and vary among individuals, with some being severely affected while others can effectively control their symptoms through dietary choices, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management. Importantly, IBS does not lead to structural changes in bowel tissue, nor does it elevate the risk of colorectal cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can manifest in various ways, often persisting over an extended duration. Among the most prevalent symptoms are:
The precise cause of IBS remains elusive, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Intestinal Muscle Contractions: The intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract to propel food through the digestive tract. Muscular, prolonged contractions can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, while weak contractions can result in slow food passage and hard, dry stools.
Nervous System Involvement: Issues with the nerves in the digestive system can lead to discomfort when the abdomen expands due to gas or stool. Inadequate communication between the brain and the intestines can cause the body to overreact to regular digestive changes, resulting in pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Post-Infectious IBS: IBS can sometimes develop following a severe episode of diarrhea caused by a bacterial or viral infection, known as gastroenteritis. It may also be associated with an excess of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth).
Early Life Stress: Individuals who have experienced stressful events, particularly during childhood, are more likely to exhibit IBS symptoms.
Alterations in Gut Microbiota: Changes in the composition of gut microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, naturally reside in the intestines and play a crucial role in overall health. Research suggests that the microbial makeup in individuals with IBS may differ from those without the condition.
The symptoms of IBS can be brought on by:
The relationship between food allergies or intolerances and IBS is unclear. True food allergies rarely lead to IBS, but many individuals notice that their IBS symptoms worsen after consuming specific foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.
For most people with IBS, symptoms tend to worsen or become more frequent during times of heightened stress. However, it's important to note that while stress can exacerbate symptoms, it is not the root cause of IBS.
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Furthermore, IBS is linked to:
Individuals with moderate to severe IBS often report a reduced quality of life. Research shows that people with IBS miss approximately three times as many work days compared to those without bowel symptoms.
The experience of IBS symptoms can lead to depression or anxiety. Conversely, depression and anxiety can also exacerbate IBS symptoms.
While occasional IBS symptoms can affect many individuals, you are at a higher risk of developing the syndrome if you:
It's essential to seek medical attention if you observe enduring alterations in your bowel patterns or experience symptoms that could suggest a more severe condition, such as colon cancer. These symptoms may include:
Please consult a healthcare professional promptly if you encounter any concerning signs.
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