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Irritable bowel disease

Description

It is the most common long term GI disorder that affects the bowel movements. Its symptoms vary in every individual and are mostly of GI discomfort i.e. bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea, constipation etc. These symptoms may be triggered by some food so an affected individual must keep a log of their symptoms and what triggers them.

Causes

Irritable bowel disease has a lot of triggers that cause the onset of symptoms. Following are the triggers of irritable bowel disease:

  • Alcohol
  • Fried foods (greasy foods are notorious for irritating the gut)
  • Gluten (gluten is difficult to digest and not good in large amounts)
  • Dairy products
  • Processed foods (these foods contain all sorts of chemicals and refined sugar that irritates the gut)
  • Coffee (coffee beans are a natural stimulant and can create diarrhea and abdominal cramping)
  • Excess sugar (sweets commonly create stomach aches in larger quantities)
  • Spicy foods (spices can really irritate your gut and cause cramping)
Risk factors

Risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome includes:

  • Age
  • Female sex,
  • Stress,
  • Anxiety,
  • Depression,
  • Family history etc
Symptoms
  • The most common symptom of irritable bowel disease is changes in bowel movements, including constipation and diarrhea
  • Changes in appearance of stools, including texture and color
  • Stomach bloating
  • Gas and burping
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea, heart burn or acid reflux
  • Easily feeling full
  • Loss of appetite
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Some other symptoms include: anxiety, trouble sleeping, headaches, heartaches, unpleasant taste in the mouth, body image issues, muscle aches especially in the lower back.
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of irritable bowel disease is done on the basis of the presenting symptoms. Your doctor will take a complete medical history, do physical examination and order tests like blood tests, X-Rays to rule out other conditions.

Management

The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation that is causing the symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe you medication like:

  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements.
  • Iron supplements
  • Anti-diarrheal medications ( Loperamide)
  • Immune system suppressors (Aziathropin, cyclosporine)
  • Painkillers (Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs like aminosalicylates and corticosteroids that target the inflammation.
  • Surgery may also be needed in case of the severely damaged digestive tract.
When to consult a doctor?
  • If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above consult a Gastroenterologist; a doctor specialized in treating gastrointestinal problems.
  • If the medication fails to relieve you of your symptoms, consult your doctor.

Available Medicine for Irritable bowel disease

Colenticon (sugar Free)

Rs.187.95

Pacific Pharma

Infacol 120 ml

Rs.74

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