Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the intestine. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
While IBS can be uncomfortable, it does not cause permanent intestinal damage or increase the risk of serious conditions like colon cancer. As a chronic condition, it requires long-term symptom management.
IBS symptoms vary among individuals, but the following are common:
Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Recurrent abdominal pain often improves after bowel movements. The pain varies in intensity and usually occurs in the lower abdomen.
Bloating and Gas: Bloating and excessive gas are common, particularly after meals, due to gas buildup in the intestines.
Diarrhoea or Constipation: IBS can cause persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating episodes of both. Individuals often report stools of varying consistency and may feel incomplete evacuation after bowel movements.
Mucus in the Stool: Some individuals may notice white or clear mucus in their stool, which is less commonly seen in other gastrointestinal conditions.
The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is unclear, but several factors may contribute to its development.
The intestinal muscles may contract too forcefully or too weakly, leading to diarrhoea or constipation.
Abnormalities in the nerves controlling the intestines may result in heightened sensitivity, causing pain or discomfort during digestion.
An imbalance in gut bacteria or a history of bacterial infection may contribute to IBS symptoms such as gas and irregular bowel movements.
Diagnosing IBS typically involves reviewing medical history, evaluating symptoms, and conducting tests to rule out other conditions.
The patient’s medical history is assessed to identify previous gastrointestinal issues, chronic conditions, medications, or family history of digestive disorders. This helps rule out other conditions and offers insight into the patient’s current symptoms.
A doctor will assess the patient’s symptoms, focusing on patterns of abdominal pain, bowel movements, and their triggers. This step ensures the symptoms align with IBS rather than another gastrointestinal disorder.
The Rome Criteria require abdominal pain at least one day per week for three months, accompanied by changes in stool frequency or form. These criteria provide a structured framework for diagnosing IBS based on consistent symptoms.
Blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies may be used to rule out gastrointestinal issues such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or infections. This ensures that IBS is not mistaken for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Managing IBS involves a combination of dietary, medical, and lifestyle approaches to reduce symptoms. These include:
Many individuals with IBS find relief by following a low-FODMAP diet, which limits certain fermentable carbohydrates that can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort. These carbohydrates can be found in dairy products, wheat, onions, garlic, and certain fruits. Avoiding them can lead to symptom improvement.
Antispasmodic medications reduce intestinal muscle spasms, providing relief from cramping and abdominal pain. They are often used before meals to prevent symptom flare-ups triggered by eating.
Laxatives are beneficial for individuals with constipation-predominant IBS by stimulating bowel movements and softening stool. They can be taken regularly or as needed to promote more consistent bowel habits.
Anti-diarrhoeal medications like loperamide slow bowel movements, reducing the frequency of diarrhoea. These medications help control urgency and allow individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria, which may help reduce bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Different strains of probiotics have varying effects, so individuals may need to experiment to find the most effective one.
While IBS cannot be fully prevented, managing dietary habits can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Avoiding trigger foods, adjusting fibre intake based on symptoms, and staying hydrated are helpful strategies.
Keeping a food and symptom diary can also aid in identifying specific triggers.
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蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
Dr. Sulaiman Yusof is a distinguished Senior Consultant in colorectal and general surgery, boasting over 15 years of expertise. His passion lies in minimally invasive techniques, particularly robotic surgery, where he has achieved remarkable success using the Da Vinci Xi system. Dr. Sulaiman is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized, and empathetic care, always striving for the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Sulaiman’s journey began at the University of Sheffield, where he graduated in 2002. He honed his skills during his house officer and basic surgical training in the UK before returning to Singapore. There, he completed his Advanced Surgical Training at Changi General Hospital and earned the Joint Speciality Fellowship in General Surgery in 2013.
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IBS is a chronic condition that can persist for years or even a lifetime. Symptoms may come and go, but many individuals learn to manage flare-ups through lifestyle changes and medication.
Yes, some medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and pain relievers, may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms. It is important to discuss any medication changes with a healthcare provider to avoid flare-ups.
IBS does not necessarily worsen with age, but symptoms may fluctuate over time. Some individuals experience improvement with effective management, while others may notice changes due to lifestyle or other health conditions.