An upset stomach is something many of us shrug off as a part of life, attributing the occasional discomfort to a greasy meal or cruciferous veggie plate. But if you’re having gut issues that go beyond the occasional annoyance, it could be signaling something chronic, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Affecting around 20% of Americans, IBS is prevalent particularly among young to middle-aged women. As a gastroenterologist and the director for the GI Center for Women’s Health at Northwell, I’d like to offer my perspective to anyone suffering from this uncomfortable condition.
More than just a gut reaction
IBS doesn’t present as simply one issue — it’s a syndrome — a constellation of symptoms that chronically affects the entire GI system. The hallmark signs of IBS are abdominal pain coupled with changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both), but it affects each person differently. Understanding the subtypes is crucial for managing your care effectively. The Bristol stool form can help patients articulate their experiences, giving doctors the information needed to then tailor their treatment approach.
The causes of IBS
Pinpointing the IBS trigger can be challenging, but primary causes include:
Stress: As it does with so many ailments, stress can throw your digestive health out of whack. In fact, a significant number of IBS sufferers have experienced some form of trauma or stress, underscoring the psychological dimension of this physical ailment.
FODMAP Foods: The adage “you are what you eat” resonates deeply with IBS patients, many of whom find relief by identifying and avoiding trigger foods. There’s a whole family of foods known as FODMAPS — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These poorly absorbed sugars can exacerbate IBS, making dietary changes essential. Unfortunately, the list of FODMAP foods is long and varied, making it tough to manage alone. A registered dietitian can guide you through the complexities of a low-FODMAP diet, identifying which foods exacerbate your symptoms.
Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly among women, can trigger varying IBS symptoms as they move through their menstrual cycle.
Stomach viruses and infections: A digestive illness or food poisoning can introduce new bacteria and pathogens that disrupt the gut microbiome, contributing to an irritable bowel.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing IBS has become more streamlined, thanks to criteria like Rome IV, which helps differentiate IBS from other GI conditions. This is vital, given IBS’s symptoms overlap with various gastrointestinal diseases. Once those are ruled out, you can then focus on creating a treatment plan with your health care provider that targets your symptoms. While there’s no cure yet, the wealth of available treatments means you can regain control of your daily life.
Living with IBS is manageable once you understand your body, recognize your triggers, and learn how to manage symptoms. Remember, it’s about listening to your gut and responding with care.
