Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in all latitudes of the world, Because of its prevalence in people of all races, no major clinical and statistical differences between populations have been observed. It affects approximately 20% of the world’s population.
(Keep reading: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children: These Are the Symptoms and Treatment)
This pathology is considered a benign course as it can be managed with different therapeutic strategies. However, while it does not cause digestive cancer, nor does it cause fatal complications, It is important to consult a health professional to determine your diagnosis and treatment when warning signs are present.
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Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic disorder of the digestive system that affects the colon (large intestine). It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in stool frequency and consistency.
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Dr John Torres, a general practitioner at Colmédica Medical Centre, said the condition can occur in all ages, including children and older adults, but it mainly affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and is more common in women. The disease affects patients’ quality of life, as symptoms often recur and can persist throughout life.
According to Dr John Torres, GP at Colmedica Medical Centre, some of the risk factors associated with developing IBS include:
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
These symptoms usually come and go and may last a lifetime; symptoms vary from person to person and may include:
stomach ache: This is the main symptom of this disease. It is intermittent, resolves spontaneously, becomes repetitive, and may increase with food intake. It can occur anywhere in the abdomen, but is more common in the lower part.
Changes in bowel movements, constipation and diarrhea: Patients exhibit changes in stool frequency and stool consistency. Some patients have infrequent defecation, hard stool, and incomplete defecation. Another portion of those affected have more frequent bowel movements than usual, pass liquid stools, and often experience a sense of urgency to have a bowel movement.
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Bloating: This is an English term that refers to bloating. Excess gas in the intestinal lumen can create a feeling of gas or distension, which can lead to gas, belching, and even symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
Extraintestinal symptoms: Other complaints that patients may experience (but not of intestinal origin) include: nausea and dyspepsia (defined as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen), heartburn (burning sensation behind the breastbone), reflux (heartburn). Likewise, a feeling of early satiation and bloating is common.
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
Dr. Torres said there are no laboratory tests or diagnostic images to confirm the disease. Diagnosis is thus based on symptoms reported by patients during their visits, with questions posed to guide the analysis.
In this way, during the consultation, the purpose of the physical examination is to detect serious diseases that must be identified in order to rule out other health conditions that mimic IBS but are actually manifestations of other more important diseases.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
There are a variety of treatment strategies aimed at controlling symptoms, which often must be used concurrently to effectively control disease progression; these include:
A diet for people with irritable bowel should include whole foods that can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Some options that may be useful are:
fruit: Recommended are apples, pears, and peaches, which are rich in soluble fiber, which can help relieve constipation and improve bowel regularity.
greens and vegetabless: Such as beets, carrots, spinach and asparagus. They are a rich source of fiber and nutrients that may support healthy digestion and relieve irritable bowel symptoms.
(You may be interested: Understanding the Syndrome That Makes You Eat Until You Get Sick)
Lean protein: Chicken, meat, eggs, and low-fat cheeses, for example, provide important nutrients for people with IBS.
In addition to maintaining a balanced diet, it’s also important to reduce your intake of processed foods and avoid excess foods high in fat, sugar, and additives.
In general, it is important to seek the advice of a health professional when developing persistent symptoms associated with IBS to develop a meal plan tailored to individual needs.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help improve the quality of life of patients with IBS.
If you have more questions or have suggestions for topics you would like to read about, please write to salud@eltiempo.com.
Mrs. Vanessa Ortiz
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