Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS)
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Understand IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. It can affect your digestive system in more ways than one, including:
- causing the muscles in the intestine to contract more strongly
- increasing gut sensitivity
- altering your gut microbiota
- impairing food absorption
- mild inflammation in the intestines
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Common Symtpoms
IBS affects people differently, but there are several common symptoms that many experience, such as:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- changes in bowel movements
- excess gas
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- mucus in stool
Treatment
While there is not yet any known cure for IBS, there are treatment options that can help improve your quality of life. Also, IBS affects everyone differently, so treatment is usually tailored to individual needs. Some of the common approaches include:
- Dietary Changes: This includes following a FODMAP diet, gradually increasing fibre intake, and avoiding gluten and dairy products.
- Medications: Laxatives for IBS (IBS-C) and anti-diarrhoeal medications for IBS (IBS-D). You may also be prescribed antispasmodics to relieve stomach pain and cramping.
- Probiotics: Can help keep a healthy balance in the gut microbiota to improve gut health and immune system functions.
- Regular Exercise: Helps reduce stress, improve bowel movements, and enhance overall well-being.
Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers, including gastroenterologists, dietitians, and nutritionists, is also crucial to managing symptoms effectively and preventing flare-ups.
Types of IBS
IBS is classified into different types based on the main symptoms. This includes:
- IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): This type is characterized by chronic constipation.
- IBS with Diarrhoea (IBS-D): People with this type mainly suffer from diarrhoea.
- Mixed IBS (IBS-M): This type involves both constipation and diarrhoea.
- Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U): Symptoms don't consistently fit the patterns of IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M.
Managing IBS with Instant Consult
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You can access our services between 6 am until midnight, 7 days a week including public holidays. What’s more, with a wait time less than 15 minutes, there is no hanging around or wasting your time.
Don’t let IBS control your life. Book your Instant Consult today and take the first step towards better gut health.
