Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment Online

Are you experiencing symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Please fill out our IBS questionnaire, designed by our team of experienced healthcare professionals, for an accurate assessment, diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our online healthcare professionals are ready to provide the guidance and care you require.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon) and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. It is characterised by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both.

IBS is considered a functional disorder, meaning it doesn't have a clear structural or anatomical cause but is instead related to how the digestive system functions. While the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, it is often triggered or exacerbated by stress, dietary factors, and certain foods. Managing IBS usually means making changes in your daily life. This can include learning to handle stress, exercising regularly, and changing what you eat, like avoiding foods that cause problems and eating more fibre. Sometimes, people also need medicine to help with symptoms and feel better.

Symptoms of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects how your digestive system works. The symptoms of IBS can be different for each person and can come and go. Sometimes, the symptoms are mild, but other times, they can be more uncomfortable. Here are the most common symptoms of IBS:

1. Stomach Pain and Cramping

Stomach pain and cramps are common indications of IBS. You mostly feel pain when you have an urge to use the bathroom. You may feel pain in different parts of your belly, and it might feel like a tight squeeze or spasm. It will get better after you go to the toilet or you pass gas.

2. Changes in Bowel Movements

People with IBS often experience changes in their bathroom habits:

• Diarrhoea: You might have frequent, loose, or watery stools and must rush to the toilet.
• Constipation: You could have trouble going to the bathroom, and your stools might be hard or small, like pellets.
• Both: Some people with IBS go back and forth between diarrhoea and constipation.

You might also feel like you didn’t finish using the bathroom, even after going.

3. Bloating and Gas

Bloating is when your stomach feels swollen or full. Many people with IBS also have a lot of gas, which might make you burp or pass gas more often. The bloating usually worsens after eating but can disappear after using the bathroom.

4. Mucus in Stools

Some people with IBS notice mucus (a clear or white substance) in their stools when they go to the bathroom. This can be another sign of IBS.

5. Other Digestive Problems

Along with the main symptoms, some people with IBS also have:

• Heartburn: A burning feeling in your chest, like indigestion.
• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach, especially when IBS symptoms worsen.

6. Feeling Tired and Other Problems

IBS doesn’t just affect your stomach. You might also feel:

• Tired: You could feel more tired than usual, especially during flare-ups.
• Headaches: Some people get headaches along with IBS symptoms.
• Bladder Problems: You might need to pee more often or feel like you didn’t empty your bladder.

7. Triggers That Can Make IBS Worse

IBS symptoms can flare up, meaning they get worse sometimes. Triggers like certain foods, stress, or changes in your routine can make symptoms appear. Some people also notice their symptoms get worse during their period.

IBS symptoms may be uncomfortable, but they can often be managed. If these symptoms happen a lot or get worse, it's empowering to talk to a doctor to find out what's causing them and how to feel better. Taking this step can put you in control of your health and well-being.

Causes of IBS

Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Still, they think it's a mix of different things that affect how the brain and stomach work together. IBS doesn't damage your digestive system but changes how it works. Here are some of the main causes that might lead to IBS:

1. Muscle Problems in the Gut

Your intestines are lined with muscles that move food through your digestive system. In people with IBS, these muscles might not work right. If they contract too hard or for too long, it can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. On the other hand, if the muscles don’t contract enough, food moves slowly, which can cause constipation and hard stools.

2. Communication Between Brain and Gut

IBS happens because the brain and the gut don't always communicate well. In people with IBS, the signals between the brain and the intestines can get mixed up. This can make normal things like passing gas or going to the bathroom painful or uncomfortable. The brain might overreact, causing cramps, diarrhoea, or constipation.

3. Gut Sensitivity

People with IBS have susceptible nerves in their digestive system. This means their stomach and intestines react more strongly to things like gas or stool, causing pain or discomfort that others might not feel. This is called "gut hypersensitivity."

4. Infections and Gut Bacteria

Sometimes, IBS can start after a bad infection, like food poisoning. Some people develop IBS after a severe illness in their stomach or intestines. Also, the balance of bacteria in the gut can be different in people with IBS. If there’s an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the small intestine, it can cause IBS symptoms like gas and bloating.

5. Stress and Emotions

Stress, especially in childhood, might play a big role in causing IBS. People who have had a lot of stress or trauma, like abuse or long-term anxiety, are more likely to have IBS. Stress doesn’t directly cause IBS, but it can make the symptoms worse.

6. Food Sensitivities

Certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, but they aren't the actual cause of IBS. Some people with IBS may be sensitive to foods like dairy, gluten (found in bread and pasta), beans, and fizzy drinks. These foods can cause gas, bloating, and other stomach issues in people with IBS. However, only some have the same triggers, so it's important to figure out what bothers you.

7. Hormones

Hormones can also affect IBS, especially in people who get periods. Some people notice that their IBS symptoms get worse during certain times of their menstrual cycle, which suggests that hormones can play a role.

8. Genetics

IBS can run in families, which means it might be passed down from parents to children. But things like where you live and how you live also have a big impact on whether or not you get IBS.

Treatment of IBS

There isn’t a single cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but there are ways to manage the symptoms and make life easier. The treatment plan for IBS can be different for everyone, depending on what symptoms they have. Here are some common ways to treat IBS:

1. Changes in Diet

What you eat can have a significant effect on IBS symptoms. Here are some things that might help:

• Eat More Fibre: If you have constipation, eating foods with fibre, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help. But adding less fibre too fast might cause gas and bloating.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods can worsen IBS symptoms. Dairy, fatty foods, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and foods with gluten can cause problems for some people. Keeping a food diary can help you figure out which foods are triggers.
• Try the Low FODMAP Diet: This diet helps by cutting out certain carbs that are hard to digest and can cause gas and bloating. A dietitian can help you determine which foods to avoid and which to eat.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water is essential, especially if you have constipation. Water helps your digestive system work better.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Your daily habits can also affect IBS symptoms. Here are some things that might help:

• Exercise Regularly: Exercise is good for your body, can help reduce stress, and keeps your digestive system working well. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days.
• Reduce Stress: Stress can make IBS symptoms worse, so it's important to find ways to relax. You can try yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises. Some people also benefit from talking to a therapist.
• Get Enough Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. A good night’s sleep helps your body and mind stay healthy, which can improve IBS symptoms.

3. Medications

If changing your diet and habits doesn’t help enough, your doctor might prescribe medications to manage IBS symptoms:

• Fibre Supplements and Laxatives: Fibre supplements like Metamucil might help if you have constipation. If fibre alone isn’t enough, your doctor might recommend laxatives to help you go to the bathroom.
• Antidiarrheal Medicines: Medicines like Imodium can help slow down bowel movements for diarrhoea. Some stronger prescription medicines might be needed if diarrhoea is a big problem.
• Antispasmodics: These medicines help relax the muscles in your gut and can ease stomach cramps and pain. Peppermint oil capsules can also help with bloating and stomach discomfort.
• Antidepressants: Even if you’re not depressed, low doses of antidepressants can help with IBS symptoms like pain and changes in bowel movements.
• IBS-Specific Medications: If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might suggest special medicines for treating IBS, like Linzess and Viberzi.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can help balance your digestive system. Some people with IBS find that taking probiotics helps with their symptoms. Probiotics can be found in yoghurt or taken as a supplement, but it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first.

5. Therapies for Stress and Anxiety

Since stress and emotions can make IBS worse, some people find that therapy helps. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or hypnotherapy can reduce stress and make IBS easier to manage.

No one treatment works for everyone with IBS. Still, most people can manage their symptoms by changing their diet, adjusting their daily habits, and using medications when needed. If you think you have IBS, talk to a doctor who can help you create a treatment plan that works best for you.

Risk Factors of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your digestive system, causing symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and changes in how often you go to the bathroom. While doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes IBS, some things make people more likely to get it. Here are the most common risk factors:

1. Gender

People who are born female are more likely to have IBS than those born male. Women are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with IBS. Some scientists think that hormones, like those that change during the menstrual cycle, may play a role, but we don’t know.

2. Age

IBS usually starts in people between their late teens and early 40s. While anyone can get IBS, it’s more common in younger adults.

3. Family History

If someone in your family has IBS, you're more likely to have it, too. This could be because of genetics (what you inherit from your family) or shared habits and lifestyle factors.

4. Emotional Stress

People who have anxiety, depression or have gone through stressful or traumatic events are more likely to develop IBS. Stress can make IBS symptoms worse, and managing stress through relaxation or therapy can help control these symptoms.

5. Digestive Infections

Sometimes, IBS starts after a nasty stomach infection, like food poisoning or a severe stomach flu. Infections can upset the balance of bacteria in your gut, which may increase your chances of developing IBS.

6. Food Sensitivities

Some people with IBS have trouble digesting certain foods, such as dairy, wheat, and foods that cause gas, like beans or carbonated drinks. These foods can trigger IBS symptoms, but they don’t cause the condition itself.

Knowing these risk factors can help you understand your likelihood of developing IBS. If you think you have IBS, it’s essential to talk to a doctor who can help you manage it.

Get IBS treatment online With Mobi Doctor.

If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Mobi Doctor can help you feel better without leaving your home. IBS can cause stomach pain, bloating, and trouble going to the bathroom. With Mobi Doctor, you can talk to a doctor online about your symptoms and get a plan to help manage them. You can even get a prescription if needed.

Our doctors know a lot about IBS and can give you advice on what foods to eat, how to change your daily routine, or what medicine might help. You can get all this without going to a doctor’s office.