Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS, spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder linked to impaired function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is distinguished by the absence of damage to its tissues and by recurrent pain and discomfort in the abdomen, mostly accompanied by changes in the frequency of bowel movements and/or stool consistency. IBS is common in the population. The problem is most often found in people aged 30-40, and the majority of them are women.

At CSM Clinic, a multidisciplinary full-cycle medical center, you can have an examination on expert-level equipment, receive a conclusion and consultation from experienced specialists, and follow treatment according to protocols recognized in most countries around the world.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome in children and adults can be triggered by various factors, which can be loosely divided into the following categories:

• biological: past intestinal infections followed by an imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora;
• hormonal: features of the hormonal background during different phases of the menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalance (most often in women), including an imbalance of biologically active substances involved in controlling bowel function (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and others);
• neurological (psychological): stress, depression, severe emotional shock, increased anxiety, sleep disorders;
• social: unbalanced nutrition (including an excess of unhealthy foods, overeating) and insufficient physical activity, which leads to weakening of the abdominal wall muscles;
• hereditary: IBS in the parents.

Psychological factors are not only causes of IBS; they can also significantly affect the results of treating the syndrome.

Symptoms and Signs of IBS

The predominant symptom of irritable bowel syndrome in adults depends on the form of the disease. The most common combinations are:

• diarrhea with frequent urges to go to the toilet, often accompanied by a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying;
• constipation with bowel movements delayed for up to 7 days, with traces of mucus and/or blood in the patient's stool;
• flatulence with pain and heaviness in the abdomen, bloating and passing of gas, which may be accompanied by rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

In all three cases the natural process of defecation is disturbed.

Quite often diarrhea may alternate with constipation.

There are also other symptoms of IBS, such as:

• pain in the lower abdomen or a feeling of abdominal discomfort, mostly spastic and changeable in nature;
• worsening of unpleasant symptoms after eating and drinking;
• mucus in the stool;
• symptoms not directly related to the gastrointestinal tract: headache, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders (most often insomnia), and others.

The described clinical picture lasts at least 12 weeks.

In children, the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may include:

• abdominal pain that most often goes away after a bowel movement;
• alternation of diarrhea and constipation;
• flatulence;
• in combination with the symptoms above: insomnia, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing disturbances.

At the same time, IBS, regardless of age, is usually not accompanied by sharp weight loss, excessively intense pain, bleeding or high fever. Such a clinical picture is typical of more serious diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Consequences of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On the one hand, at the current stage of medical development IBS is regarded as a long-term condition that is managed rather than eliminated; on the other, with a long course, frequent relapses, and lack of proper treatment and prevention, chronic colitis or diverticular disease may develop.

Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome consists of:

• questioning the patient and reviewing existing medical records;
• a physical examination;
• referral of the patient for the necessary tests.

The doctor may order the following types of diagnostics:

• laboratory tests: complete blood count, blood chemistry, general stool analysis, stool analysis for helminth eggs and protozoan cysts;
• abdominal ultrasound (at our clinic the examination is performed on expert-class equipment);
• less often, CT.

When making the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is always carried out with intestinal cancer, lactose intolerance, drug-induced diarrhea, appendicitis, cholecystitis, parasitic diseases, enteritis and others. In some cases also with certain gynecological and urological diseases.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Treatment of IBS is chosen individually for each case. When prescribing treatment, the doctor is guided by the patient's main complaints.

The treatment plan may include methods such as:

• dietary correction (foods that promote excess gas formation and/or cause diarrhea or constipation are excluded) and a drinking regimen (especially for constipation);
• drug therapy aimed at relieving symptoms (the choice of medicines depends on the causes and symptoms of the disease, accompanying conditions and age);
• psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological support and so on. The patient should aim for a lifestyle with room for regular physical activity, which can help cope with stress and improve bowel function.

Other types of therapy may also be prescribed (depending on the patient's condition).

Recommendations for Preventing the Condition

Prevention of irritable bowel syndrome is needed both for a person with an established diagnosis and for anyone who wants to avoid the disease:

• do everything possible to avoid food irritants, establish regular meals and balance the diet;
• do not self-medicate: take medicines only as prescribed by a doctor;
• ensure regular physical activity (this can be sports as well as walking and cycling);
• set aside time for relaxation, meditation, hobbies and any pleasant leisure activity that calms the nervous system;
• avoid stressful situations, and so on.

Advantages of IBS Treatment at the Clinic

1. CSM Clinic is a full-cycle private medical center where you can have an expert diagnostic workup with results interpreted by experienced specialists and receive quality treatment.
2. Specialists with extensive experience and a high level of empathy.
3. Expert-level treatment and diagnostic equipment.
4. Treatment aims to keep the risk of side effects low.
5. An individual treatment program for each case.
6. Medical services at reasonable prices.

Need treatment for irritable bowel syndrome in Kyiv? Looking for which doctor treats IBS and for specialists who do it competently? The specialists of CSM Clinic provide quality diagnostics, treatment and prevention of a problem that affects your quality of life. Book a consultation by contacting our contact center or by filling in the feedback form on the website. Treatment is also possible at the clinic's branch in Bila Tserkva (with accommodation in a hotel on the medical center's premises). Take care of your health and quality of life by entrusting them to professionals.