IBS Specialist Brisbane Northside

In Brisbane, there are many people who are suffering the effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and are increasingly turning to their doctor for help.

 

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine by identifying the symptoms present and by ruling out other conditions that resemble IBS such as inflammatory bowel or Coeliac disease.

There are only a small number of people in Brisbane with IBS have severe signs and symptoms. The symptoms of IBS can be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. The more severe IBS symptoms can be treated by undergoing counseling along with necessary medication.

 

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of IBS?

• Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement
• Frequent experiences of having excess gas
• Change in consistency of stool
• Change in frequency of stool

 

The symptoms mentioned should be present for the past 6 months. If in any case that the symptoms persist longer than this duration, then it is highly likely that IBS is the cause of the discomfort. The duration of IBS may vary from one person to another. It can improve, worsen, or completely disappear for a period of time.

 

What Causes IBS?

The cause of IBS is actually unknown. It might be helpful to become familiar with the term “gut-brain interface”, wherein the pain processed in the nervous system associated with IBS is as similar as the bowel itself. The bowel is usually more sensitive and sends abnormal pain signals to the nervous system. There are also instances when pain is processed by the Central Nervous System, which is responsible for the body’s sensory receptors.

 

How to Live a Life with IBS?

Having IBS can be a roadblock to living a normal life, especially if the person afflicted has experiences of rushing to the toilet, abdominal pain, and bloatedness on unforeseen circumstances.

 

Unfortunately, IBS cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed, with the help of medications. Having physical activities may also reduce the symptoms of IBS. Individuals with IBS who are not doing regular physical activities may relieve themselves from the discomfort brought about by IBS by exercising. It is suggested to have a minimum of 30-minute exercises 3-5 times a week.

 

Managing stress and relaxation exercises can also alleviate symptoms of IBS.

 

What is the recommended diet for IBS?

• Manage fiber intake by increasing soluble fiber (ex. oats, nuts) and decreasing insoluble fiber (corn bran, corn syrup, wheat bran)
• Keep a food diary to monitor when symptoms arise
• Limit intake of sweet food to 3 portions a day
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Incorporate wheat in your diet
• Avoid high-fat foods (ex. French fries, burgers)

 

What Are the Medications for IBS?

If constipation and diarrhea are present, these require medication. Loperamide (Imodium) often aids in managing diarrhea. Constipation, on the other hand, would require laxatives such as fybogel.

There are also medications for IBS symptoms alone such as Endep (Amitryptyline) and anti-spasmodic medication such as mebervine or hyoscine butylbromide.

 

At Ubuntu Medical we also do Men’s Health