What are the risks of IBS in the long term?

IBS-related chronic stomach pain might make people anxious about their symptoms. As a result, depression or persistent feelings of hopelessness may develop. Other signs of depression include a lack of motivation, detachment from others, and generalised physical discomfort.

What are the primary causes of IBS?

Foods and beverages containing sorbitol, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, or other sweeteners, carbonated beverages, hefty dinners, and greasy and fried dishes.

What aspects of lifestyle lead to IBS?

IBS may be caused by genetics, past traumatic experiences, or certain mental health disorders. Stress, hormones related to the menstrual cycle, smoking, and food are additional factors that may contribute to or aggravate IBS symptoms.

What foods are calming for IBS?

Select proteins that are simpler to digest, such as extra-firm tofu, eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, and plain lactose-free Greek yoghurt. Additionally, using low-fat cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, steaming, and boiling, will help you stay away from unpleasant sensations.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah

Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah

Dr Suhirdan
Vivekanandarajah

Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is not a single medical condition, but a collection of gastrointestinal symptoms that may not be related to other bowel conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Why IBS happens is not entirely known, though some studies have linked IBS with abnormalities in the nerves of the intestines.

While IBS is not usually considered life-threatening, the severity of the condition varies from person to person and could last from days to months.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Patients with IBS may experience the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain

Bloating of the abdomen

Frequent changes in bowel movements

Diarrhoea (sometimes recurring)

Some IBS patients may experience episodes of constipation and diarrhoea. These symptoms may go away on their own, though they tend to come back after a while.

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What are the risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome?

Although IBS is a fairly common gastrointestinal condition, several factors may cause greater discomfort to the patient.

IBS is more likely to occur in people below the age of 50
Women are more likely to get IBS
Psychological conditions can increase the chances of getting IBS
Having a recent infection in the gut
Taking Antibiotics
Having a family history of IBS

While the constant use of laxatives may cause changes in bowel habits, making a person experience symptoms of IBS, food allergies and intolerances may also trigger IBS in some cases.

When should I see a doctor?

While IBS does not pose any major health risks, it can affect a person’s quality of life. Based on the risk factors of the condition, you may or may not develop the disease.

An experienced gastrointestinal doctor can help you understand if you can develop IBS and provide you with the proper treatment needed to control IBS and live a normal life.

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Get in touch with a gastrointestinal doctor to help you with IBS

Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah is a Sydney-based hepatologist and gastroenterologist who aims to give his patients the best diagnosis and treatment they need.

If you have IBS or suspect that you may have it, schedule an appointment with Dr Vivekanandarajah for treatment and support.

Where would you like to consult Dr Suhirdan?