Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a common illness in working-age people
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is one of the more common disorders in working-age people who are always on the go and stressed. Some people experience an unremitting bowel problem, mistaking it for run-of-the-mill diarrhea not responsive to medications. But the symptoms persist with periodic recurrences, interfering with their daily life.
What is IBS?
IBS results from excessive bowel spasms, leading to abdominal cramps. They are associated with bowel movements but with more intense symptoms. Some people feel an urge to empty their bowels, after which they feel better, while some may feel worse after bowel movement. Either outcome is possible. Triggers of bowel spasm could be:
- Food
- Illness
- Stress
- Anxiety
These factors can cause cramping, intestinal infections, and diarrhea. Once treated, your bowel may still be sensitive to triggering agents, leading to IBS.
Symptoms you should take note of
The main symptom of IBS is lower abdominal cramps. Some may experience severe cramps; others may have mild pain. In those with intense cramps, the pain may be excruciating, disrupting their daily activities so much that they must take leave from school or work to go to a hospital.
As mentioned, symptoms of IBS are associated with bowel movement, after which the condition may improve or worsen. You should notice the change in the bowel movements, which may be more frequent or less frequent, and the appearance of feces varies from solid to watery, or stools become firmer in some cases.
In addition to abdominal pain, some people may develop excessive intestinal gas, causing bloating or discomfort after meals.
IBS symptoms can last for two weeks to six months or even longer.
Why is IBS common in the working-age population?
IBS can strike anyone – any gender and age group. However, it is common in the working-age group because of bowel hypersensitivity and a coexisting trigger, stress.
Working-age people are always on the go, leading a stressful and anxious lifestyle. How much they are affected depends on how well they can cope with the stimuli. Besides facing stressful situations, they could not find time for proper self-care. They do not have time to exercise or prepare nutritious meals. They have less time to look after themselves while their workload and responsibilities keep escalating. The risk of becoming ill is high.
Because IBS is causally related to stress, sometimes it can happen in school-age children or adolescents. They come to see a doctor with similar symptoms. Medical history typically reveals they are stressed with schoolwork or have difficulties adjusting to school life. Stress is one of the factors increasing the risk of IBS in people of any age.
Current treatment
Current treatments comprise two methods -- drug and non-drug regimens. Which treatment the patient will receive depends on their symptoms.
- Pharmaceutical regimen: If patients have excessive bowel spasms, anti-spasmodic (intestinal smooth muscle relaxants) may be prescribed. However, those with constipation will receive osmotic or stimulant laxatives, while those with watery, loose stool will receive anti-diarrheal medications.
- Non-pharmaceutical regimen: As mentioned, one of the triggers of bowel spasms is food. Doctors may recommend food that does not cause digestive distress, known as low-FODMAPs, which contain less poorly digestible short-chain carbs. When consuming a large amount of FODMAP foods, digestion by gut bacteria will produce intestinal gas. If the gastrointestinal tract is sensitive, abdominal cramps may ensue.
Bananas, oranges, mung beans, carrots, taro, sweet potato, oats, and lactose-free milk are constituents of low-FODMAPs.
It is advisable to observe what food causes or worsens the IBS symptoms. Everyone could be affected by different types of food. Some non-FODMAPs, such as caffeinated beverages, can cause bowel spasms in some people. Carbonated soft drinks can also lead to a buildup of intestinal gas and abdominal cramps. IBS patients should start a trial of low-FODMAP foods to eliminate all possible dietary triggers. Once their IBS symptoms improve, they can gradually return to a regular diet, reintroducing suspected food one at a time to monitor how it affects their digestive tract symptoms.
Other remedies that can improve the symptoms.
Regular exercise can help improve intestinal motility. In stressful people unable to manage their stress, anti-anxiety medications may be helpful. Consulting a psychotherapist or psychiatrist is another approach to alleviate IBS and intestinal cramps.
Medical recommendation
If you are a working-age person mired in a busy lifestyle with inevitable stress, the first step is to be mindful of the stress and attempt to rein in your emotions. If you are overwhelmed, plan to manage your stress and learn how to vent it by consulting with a medical professional or taking appropriate medications.
Regarding diet, try to eat well-cooked and clean foods. Avoiding foods that trigger abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea can help prevent gastrointestinal infections that can become a chronic health problem.
Though IBS is not life-threatening, it can unceasingly interfere with daily life. Its symptoms can be hard to distinguish from other gastrointestinal conditions, such as infectious diarrhea or colon cancer. If you have suspicious symptoms, immediately see a medical specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
