Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects between 6% and 18% of people worldwide. More specifically, in our country it is estimated that between 2.3 and 12% of the population suffers from this disease. The frantic pace, changes in habits, lack of sleep or stress can be activators of the symptoms that cause this disorder.
This is because the intestine is connected to the brain using hormonal signals.and nerves that go back and forth between the intestine and the brain. These affect bowel function and symptoms. The nerves can become more active during times of stress, which can cause the intestines to be more sensitive and to compress or contract more.
This syndrome can occur at any age, although it often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and is twice as common in women as in men. But what are its most common symptoms
Symptoms
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe signs and symptoms. Some people can control the symptomswith changes in diet, lifestyle and stress level. More severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counseling.
The most common are:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea-predominant IBS is one of the three main types of the disorder. It affects approximately one third of patients with IBS. The accelerated transit of the intestines in IBS can also cause an immediate and sudden need to have a bowel movement. Some patients say that this causes them stress, and they even avoid some social situations for fear of having a sudden episode of diarrhea.
Constipation
Alterations in the intestinal rhythm can manifest with a predominance of constipation or diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea-constipation Cramps
and gas
Impaired digestion in IBS causes more gas to be produced in the intestines. This can cause swelling, which is uncomfortable. Many people with IBS identify swelling as one of the most persistent and bothersome symptoms of the disorder.
Abdominal pain
It is usually diffuse or localized in the lower abdomen, usually non-irradiated, colicky, oppressive or stabbing, generally mild or moderate in intensity, lasting less than two hours, which relieves after defecation and usually respects the sleep
Altered bowel habits
Often, stool that moves slowly through the intestine becomes dehydrated as the intestine absorbs water. In turn, this creates hard stools, which can exacerbate symptoms. The rapid movement of stool through the intestine leaves little time for water absorption and results in loose stools, which is a characteristic of diarrhea.
Visible bloating or abdominal
distension Abdominal distention and bloating develop progressively throughout the day and are referred to as “excess gas.” Early satiety after ingestion, nausea, vomiting and heartburn (heartburn) are common.
Mucus in the stool
Loose stools are often common in IBS and are a symptom of diarrhea-predominant IBS. The stool may also contain mucus.
