Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel/colon syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sometimes also called nervous colitis, is a common bowel condition affecting the large intestine. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation, which may be intermittent. The diagnosis of IBS is made mainly on the basis of symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions.

Here are some common steps for diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome:

Diagnosis:

• History and physical examination: The doctor will discuss the patient’s symptoms and medical history with the patient and then perform a physical examination.
• Blood tests and stool tests: These may be performed to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as celiac disease or intestinal infections.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: These procedures may be performed to examine the inside of the large intestine and rule out other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
• Imaging tests: Sometimes your doctor may recommend imaging, such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, to rule out other bowel problems.

Treatment:

• Dietary changes: Some people may see significant improvements in symptoms by adjusting their diet. Examples of changes include reducing consumption of foods that can irritate the gut, such as fatty foods, coffee, alcohol and dairy.
• Medications to control symptoms: To treat specific symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as antispasmodics to control abdominal cramps or medications to regulate bowel transit, such as laxatives for constipation or medications for diarrhea.
• Treatments to manage stress and anxiety: Although stress is not considered the cause of IBS, it can worsen symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, yoga and other stress management techniques can be helpful.
• Bloating medications: Some medications may be prescribed to help reduce bloating associated with IBS.
• Probiotics: May be helpful for some people, although study results are variable. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
• Psychological counseling: For some patients, counseling may help manage stress and anxiety associated with IBS.

It is important to talk to your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual symptoms and needs. It’s also important to be aware that IBS treatment may require a trial and error approach to find the best way to manage symptoms.