Home - health - Symptoms, Causes, And Management Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms, Causes, and Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms, Causes, and Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also commonly referred to as IBS, is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and more. It is a chronic condition and requires treatment to help manage it in the long term. The condition can be mild or severe, but severe symptoms are seen in a few people. Read on to learn more about IBS, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. 

Symptoms
The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can vary from person to person. Not to mention, they may also be present for a long time. Despite every individual experiencing unique symptoms, there are a few common signs of IBS. They include:
Pain in the abdomen that is often accompanied by cramping or bloating. This could also be related to passing a bowel movement.
Changes in the appearance of the bowel movement.
Changes in the frequency of bowel movement.

Individuals may also notice other signs, such as the sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowels. There may also be increased gas and mucus in the stools. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider if a person notices any of these signs and symptoms. If one has a persistent change in bowel habits, it is important to get it checked by a healthcare provider. More severe symptoms such as diarrhea at night, bleeding from the rectum, and more could also point to much more severe conditions. 

Causes and triggers
There is no exact known cause of IBS. But, some factors could play a role in the development of this condition. These factors include: 

Contractions in the intestine
The walls of the intestines contain multiple layers of muscles. These muscles contract and expand, which allows the food to move through the digestive system. This is why these contractions are important. But, sometimes, strong or fast contractions of the intestinal muscles can lead to gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. On the other hand, slow contractions can lead to hard and dry stools, which can lead to constipation or trouble with passing a bowel movement. Fast contractions in the intestinal muscles can lead to the development of IBS in the long term. 

Troubles with the nervous system
The human nervous system connects to all organs and parts of the body. There are also nerves in the digestive system. But, if there are issues with the nerves in the digestive tract, it could lead to discomfort and troubles when the abdomen stretches due to gas or stools. With troubled nerves, there could be issues with the signals sent from the tract to the brain, which can cause the body to overreact when the digestive system is undergoing its routine changes. This could result in pain and diarrhea and increase the chances of developing IBS. 

Infection
IBS can develop if one has had a bad digestive infection which is caused by a bacteria or virus. This condition can also be known as gastroenteritis. IBS could also be linked to bacterial overgrowth in the digestive system. 

Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on the overall body and even digestive health. Studies have found that those who have faced stressful events in their life, especially during childhood, can develop IBS during the later stages of their life. 

Change in gut microbe
Changes in the bacteria, fungi, or viruses that reside in the intestines can lead to the development of IBS. Research has shown that the gut microbe of those who have IBS is different from those who do not have IBS. Note that having a healthy gut microbe is also essential to the body’s overall health. 

Those who have IBS often note that external factors can trigger their condition or flares. These factors can vary from person to person. Food is a very common trigger for IBS. In most cases, it can result from certain food allergies or intolerance. More research is needed to understand how foods trigger IBS.

In most cases, food allergies rarely cause IBS. Many individuals have IBS symptoms when they eat or drink only certain foods and beverages. These include wheat, dairy, certain fruits, and even carbonated drinks. 

Treatments
There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome. Any treatment available for this condition focuses on relieving the symptoms of this condition. These treatments ensure that the individual can function normally in day-to-day life and live symptom-free. In mild cases of IBS, doctors recommend controlling and managing the condition by making changes to a person’s lifestyle and food habits. 

In worse cases, doctors may recommend treatments to tackle the symptoms of IBS. These treatments include:
Fiber supplements
Fiber supplements may help the body to absorb more fluids and prevent constipation. 

Laxatives
Laxatives are also prescribed to those who suffer from constipation. These are usually prescribed if the fiber supplements do not help. Doctors may recommend treatments that are available freely. 

Anti-diarrhea treatments
Anti-diarrhea treatments are prescribed to help control loose bowel movements. Doctors may prescribe treatments that are available freely. One of the common treatments is also bile acid binders, but these could lead to bloating. 

Pain treatments
Those who experience bloating and gas may also have to deal with abdominal pain. This could make it difficult to function in day-to-day life. Doctors may prescribe pain treatments in such cases.  There are also treatments specific to IBS. A doctor or healthcare provider will prescribe these to a person based on the symptoms and the severity of one’s condition. 

Natural remedies
There are also some natural remedies for IBS. These include lifestyle changes, changing food habits, and more. Getting enough sleep, tackling stress, drinking tons of fluids, avoiding foods that trigger the symptoms, and eating fiber-rich foods can go a long way in tackling IBS. When it comes to foods, doctors also suggest avoiding foods that contain lots of gas, including carbonated beverages. They also suggest avoiding foods with gluten. 

Previous Read

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Next Read

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and More

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye disease that can cause loss of central vision. This occurs when there is damage to the macula. The macula controls straight-ahead vision and is a part of the retina, which lies at the back of the eye. AMD is a common condition, especially in older individuals. Read on to learn more about the types of AMD, symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments. Types and stages There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration - wet AMD and dry AMD. Most individuals who have AMD have dry AMD. This is also known as atrophic AMD. With dry AMD, the macula gets thinner as the individual ages leading to a wide range of symptoms. Dry AMD also occurs in three early, intermediate, and late stages. These stages take place slowly and over a long period of time. Wet AMD, also known as neovascular AMD, is a rare type of AMD. This type of AMD causes the individual to lose their vision quickly compared to dry AMD. Note that dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD at any stage. This type of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula. Symptoms The symptoms of AMD are similar irrespective of the type of AMD that the individual has. But, each individual may experience unique symptoms. Not to mention, some may have severe symptoms while some may experience mild symptoms. Here are some of the common signs of age-related macular degeneration: Distortions in vision, such as the individual seeing straight lines as bent Reduce central vision in one or both eyes Difficulty in recognizing faces Requiring bright light to work or to see clearly Blurriness in words and text Difficulty adapting to low-light situations A bling spot or blurry spot in the field of vision Both dry and wet AMD can affect one or both eyes. If only one eye has been affected by the condition, you may not be able to notice changes in your vision. This is because the other eye typically makes up and compensates for the eye that is affected. Wet AMD does not typically affect side vision, which is why it does not lead to total blindness. It also leads to a sudden change in vision, whereas dry AMD progresses over the years. It is important to get your eyesight checked by a healthcare professional if you notice changes in your vision. These changes could include distortion and blindness in your central vision. You should also visit the doctor if you notice that you are having trouble seeing fine details. These are typically the first sign of AMD and can help you detect the condition in the early stages. Causes and risk factors There is no exact known cause for AMD. But, research has found that the development of this condition could result from a combination of factors such as family genetics, environmental factors, food, and more. It could also be a result of age, where the macula starts to thin out, leading to the loss of cells that are responsible for eyesight. Some of the common risk factors that are associated with macular degeneration include: Age Age is one of the leading risk factors for macular degeneration. This condition is commonly seen in those over the age of 60. Race Certain races are more prone to developing AMD. Family history and genetics Studies have found that there is a hereditary component to this condition. Several genes have also been linked with AMD. Studies have also found that if the individual has a family member who has AMD, they are more at risk of developing this condition. Weight Research has found that being obese could also increase the chances of developing macular degeneration. It has also linked obesity with an increased chance of the condition developing from early or intermediate stages to severe stages. Cardiovascular health Those who have unfavorable heart conditions or blood vessel diseases are at higher risk of developing macular degeneration. Treatment options There is no cure for AMD. There is also currently no treatment that can help reverse the damage to the eye done by macular degeneration. The available treatments focus on slowing down the condition and preventing it from progressing. There are many modes of treatment for this condition. These include: Vitamin supplements For those with advanced macular degeneration stages, doctors may prescribe antioxidants and vitamin supplements to help reduce vision loss. These supplements can include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. More study is needed to understand if vitamins can help with dry AMD's early stages. It is important to check with your doctor if vitamin supplements are the right course of treatment for you. Doctors will make the decision based on the symptoms that you are showing and the severity of the condition. Low vision rehabilitation AMD typically does not affect your side vision and only your central vision. This is why it does not lead to complete blindness. Those with macular degeneration typically experience low vision over a period of time. This can affect their reading, driving, and recognizing abilities. In such cases, doctors may suggest getting low-vision rehabilitation. This helps you adapt to the changes in your vision. Telescopic lens Doctors may also suggest telescopic lenses to those who advanced dry macular degeneration. This is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a telescopic lens in the eye. These lenses help magnify and improve the field of vision. Telescopic lenses may improve both close-up and distant vision but also has a narrow field of view. It is most useful in an urban environment. Individuals may also try natural remedies and lifestyle changes to improve their vision and prevent vision loss due to macular degeneration.

Trending Articles

01

Essential Points and Services to Consider for Gutter Protection

Renovation and upgrades are not just limited to the aesthetic changes around the house. It also includes the necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure there are no unnoticed damages that could worsen with time. Rain gutters collect all the water and provide a proper outlet flow to prevent leaks during a heavy pour. And gutter protection systems ensure these drainage outlets operate efficiently. Here are essential points to consider before installing these systems. Gutter guards function as a primary filter Protective covers prevent leaves, mud, sticks, and even smaller rodents or pests from washing into the small opening designed for water collection. This helps lower the cost of maintenance significantly, as you do not have to frequently clean these outlets. Most guards have a crisscross mesh pattern that allows only liquids to flow into the drainage system. With protective covers installed, you spend no more than a couple of hundred dollars to have the entire system serviced twice a year. Long-term utility benefits When water flows freely within the drainage system, it reduces the risk of pooling or overflowing and ultimately leaking. Water pooling, if left unchecked, can also damage the structural integrity of the home. Moreover, dirty, backed-up rainwater becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites, increasing the risk of infection.
02

How to Choose the Best Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses Online

Contact lens users can choose from a range of categories of lenses. Among the different types, a popular choice is monthly disposable contact lenses, requiring minimum cleaning and easy handling. You can wear a pair of monthly lenses for 30 days before replacing it. But with several options available online, it can be challenging to find a suitable pick. For your convenience, we’ve discussed a few things you can consider before buying disposable lenses online. Popular monthly disposable lenses available online Purchasing a pair of high-quality contact lenses is imperative to ensure good eye health. We have listed six popular lenses from different brands that you can pick from online. Note that each lens for your left and right eye is designed based on a prescription from an eye doctor. Alcon AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® Approved by the FDA, the AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® flexible lenses are designed to sit comfortably in the eyes for 30 consecutive days and nights as you can sleep in these lenses. A box of six lenses costs about $95.99. The product boasts a SMARTSHIELD® Technology – a protective layer of moisture that repels unwanted deposits that may irritate the eye. Moreover, it is one of the softest and most breathable lens options.
03

Tips to Get the Best Deal for a Junk Car

It might be difficult to sell your beloved trusty old commuter car due to its frequent repairs. However, car selling can help you get an extra slice of income, even if it is junk. Statistics suggest that selling your junk car to the auto recycling industry contributes at least $25 billion per year to the national GDP. So, read this article if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for some extra cash. Know your car’s true value You will be surprised to know the worth of a junk car as it stands stationed in your garage, gathering dust. There are multiple services and history-based value tools available online that can help you get an estimate of your old car. A thorough evaluation can help you get a good deal, especially if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for cash. If your car is inoperable, gathering rust and dust in your garage, consider selling it to auto salvage yards or junkyards. These yards might not offer a higher price, but you can certainly earn some profit by selling your junk car to them. Ask around or look online for the best auto salvage yards that offer you a good deal.
04

Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

With energy bars gaining immense popularity, it comes as no surprise that their market is expected to grow by $1.09 billion this decade in the continent alone. These protein bars have become the go-to choice for a quick and healthy snack as people become increasingly conscious about their food choices. These nutritious mini-meals are highly preferred by young people and athletes alike. Let’s look at some of the leading healthy options for you. Boom If you are among those who love to start their day with a caffeine kick, Boom bars help you just the right amount of that jolt. A single energy bar contains about 150mg of caffeine, which is more than that in a single espresso shot or a regular cup of coffee. Not only that, but they also contain 11g of protein, making it a filling snack. Understandably, they cater to a niche market that specifically enjoys the deliciousness of edible coffee. Boom focuses on highlighting why eating caffeine makes for a smoother experience than simply drinking it. A box of 7 bars costs about $24.  GoMacro These are vegan bars made from sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy energy bars are organic, Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even soy-free.

Our Blogs

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
Read More
Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
Read More
Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.
Read More
Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
Read More
Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
Read More
Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
Read More