What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated pain in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movements.

Only a small number of people with IBS have severe signs and symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?

There are some signs that can help to know if you have IBS or not, but you may not notice them right away.

However, the possible signs that may help you out are:

• Pain and Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea
• Gas and Bloating
• Food Intolerance
• Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping

Immediately contact your doctor if you notice any such signs.

What are the causes of IBS?

The precise cause of IBS isn't known. Factors that appear to play a role include:

1.Muscle contractions in the intestine.

2.Nervous system.

3.Severe infection.

4.Early life stress.

Changes in gut microbes. Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which normally reside in the intestines and play a key role in health. Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in healthy people.

Diagnosis of IBS

To diagnose IBS, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests:

Some tests that are normally done are as:

• have you adopt a certain diet or cut out specific food groups for a period to rule out any food allergies
• have a stool sample examined to rule out infection
• have blood tests done to check for anemia and rule outceliac disease

What are the complications of IBS?

A few of the comorbidities you may face with IBS are:

• Left untreated, IBS may lead to Chronic constipation or diarrhea which can cause hemorrhoids.Tell your doctor if your signs and symptoms aren't improving despite treatment for IBS.

Prevention of IBS

Preventing and treating illnesses that can become the risk factor for IBS is the best way to curb out it's complications. Make sure to change a few of your lifestyle habits and do regular physical exercise (not intense one). Talk to your doctor and take the help of a dietician who can suggest a decent diet to avert IBS. A diet is a healthy component of IBS treatment in Ayurveda!