Irratable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. At our Gastro and Liver Centre in Gurgaon it is seen by Dr Mayan Chugh that the symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. Types of IBS are classified based on certain specific symptoms that occur, such as constipation and weight loss. This is a different disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions like Irritable Bowel Disease

It’s not uncommon for people with IBS to have episodes of both constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms such as bloating and gas typically go away after you have a bowel movement.

The symptoms of IBS typically include:

Cramping

Abdominal Pain

Bloating

Constipation

Diarhea

As per Dr Mayank Chugh, Gastro Specialist at Gastro & Liver Centre in Gurgaon, the possible causes include an overly sensitive colon or immune system. At times IBS is caused by a previous bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The varied possible causes make IBS difficult to prevent.

The physical processes involved in IBS can also vary but may consist of the following:

Slowed or spastic movements of the colon, causing painful cramping

Abnormal serotonin levels in the colon, affecting motility and bowel movements

A bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract

Dr Mayank Chugh, our Gastro Specialist may be able to diagnose IBS based on your symptoms. He may also advise certain changes in eating and lifestyle habits like:

Prescribe adopting a certain eating pattern or avoid specific food groups for a time to rule out any food allergies

Order tests to examine your stool sample to rule out infection

Prescribe blood tests to check for anemia and rule out celiac disease

Advise Colonoscopy

As such there is no known cure for IBS but it is always advisable to consult a gastro specialist in case you are facing following symptoms:

Rectal Bleeding

Persistent Abdominal Pain

Weight Loss

Loss of Appetite

Nausea or Vommiting

As mentioned earlier that there is no definite cure for IBS. However, certain lifestyle changes along with the medications can help in reducing the trouble. Some drugs are used to treat all symptoms of IBS, while other drugs are focused on specific symptoms. Drugs that are used include:

Medication to reduce muscle spasm

Anti-constipation medicines

Antibiotics

Apart from medications our gastro and liver specialist Dr Mayank Chugh advises that reducing caffine intake, exercising regularly, avoiding stress, take probiotics, include roughage and fibre in the diet and most importantly quit smoking are the best methods to reduce the episodes of IBS.