Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Sep 3, 2024

Ask a Nurse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Introduction

  • Presented by Cathy from Level Up RN
  • Focus: Questions about IBS

What is IBS?

  • Commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder
  • Causes:
    • Stomach pain
    • Bloating
    • Changes in bowel habits (not explained by other causes)

Symptoms of IBS

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating and cramping
  • Changes in bowel movement appearance (e.g., mucus in stool)
  • Changes in frequency of bowel movements
  • Pain may decrease or increase after a bowel movement

Types of IBS

  • IBSD (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea)
  • IBSC (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation)
  • IBSM (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mixed) (bouts of both diarrhea and constipation)

Causes of IBS

  1. Brain-gut interaction issues
    • Poor signals between the brain and intestines
  2. Altered bowel motility
    • Abnormal contractions of intestinal muscles
  3. Gut microbiome changes
    • Alterations in bacteria and microbes in the intestines
  4. Post-infection development
    • Can develop after intestinal infections (e.g., gastroenteritis)
  5. Food sensitivities
    • Symptoms worsen with certain foods
  6. Early life stressors
    • Abuse and mental health disorders (anxiety, depression) increase risk

Diagnosing IBS

  • Provider reviews symptoms and medical/family history
  • Tests may include:
    • Blood tests
    • Stool tests
  • Rule out other causes (e.g., lactose intolerance, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)

Treatment of IBS

Dietary Changes

  • Increase fiber intake
  • Avoid gluten
  • Low FODMAP diet:
    • Restricts hard-to-digest carbohydrates (certain fruits, vegetables, dairy, wheat, rye)
    • Trial period followed by gradual reintroduction of foods

Lifestyle Changes

  • Increase physical activity
  • Decrease stress
  • Ensure adequate sleep

Medications

  • Probiotics
  • For IBS with Diarrhea:
    • Over-the-counter antidiarrheal (e.g., loperamide)
    • Prescription medication (e.g., alosetron)
  • For IBS with Constipation:
    • Fiber supplements, laxatives, or prescription (e.g., lubiprostone)
  • Other Medications:
    • Antidepressants (tricyclics, SSRIs)
    • Antispasmodics (reduce bowel spasms)

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to like and comment for future topics
  • Stay informed and stay well!