By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Many of us experience gas, bloating and cramps on a regular basis but don’t know where it comes from. Yes, it could be something we ate, or it could be something more serious like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, IBS is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation, others have diarrhea and some people experience both. Sometimes the person with IBS has a crampy urge to move the bowels but cannot do so. It’s a chronic and unpredictable condition with symptoms that can change over time.
If these symptoms sound familiar to you, you might have IBS. April is IBS Awareness Month, so we’re helping to raise awareness of this health issue. Of course, you will need a doctor to diagnose you. IBS is usually diagnosed after doctors identify certain symptoms that are typical for the condition and are present after excluding other illnesses. The doctor will take a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms.
Millions of people live with IBS every day. There isn’t a cure, yet, but there are ways to improve your quality of life. It may take some detective work by you and your doctor before you find what works best.
There are many triggers of IBS, which you should be aware of if you have it. Many people report that their symptoms happen after a meal. Eating causes contractions of the colon. Normally, this response may cause an urge to have a bowel movement within 30 to 60 minutes after a meal. In people with IBS, the urge may come sooner and may be associated with pain, cramps and diarrhea. Certain foods may trigger spasms in some people. Sometimes the spasm delays the passage of stool, leading to constipation.
The kinds of foods you eat can also affect people with IBS. Foods such as caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods or alcohol can cause loose stools. In addition, women who have IBS tend to experience more symptoms because reproductive hormones can increase IBS symptoms.
Other triggers include stress, fatigue, overeating, or lack of exercise. All of these can produce intestinal symptoms of diarrhea, constipation or discomfort in everyone, but more so in those with IBS who seem more sensitive to these events.
So what can you do to treat IBS? First things first, start with a good diet. But before you make changes, it might be a good idea to record everything you eat in a food journal and note which items cause IBS symptoms. Once you’ve tracked your food, discuss the journal with your doctor. For instance, if you find that dairy causes your symptoms to flare up, he might suggest you decrease your intake.
Sometimes it is not what you eat but the amount you eat that activates IBS symptoms. Many find that eating smaller portions more frequently can reduce symptoms.
Incorporating more fiber into your diet also can help. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help to prevent spasms from developing. Whole-grain breads, cereals and beans are good sources of fiber for patients with IBS. However, in some cases, fiber aggravates IBS so keeping a food diary is important.
The good news is that there are ways to manage IBS so that you can feel better. . The key is finding a healthcare provider who will work with you over the long term to help you treat your IBS.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
