April 19th is National “Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Day.”
IBS is a very common condition in the United States, and with over 200,000 cases seen per year, increased awareness surrounding IBS may help more people identify the symptoms and take the steps needed for improved digestive health and more comfortable living.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common, chronic digestive health condition that affects the large intestine (colon). IBS affects one in ten people worldwide. This condition causes the muscles in the colon to either contract strongly or weakly, with each of these scenarios causing different symptoms. Strong contraction of the colon muscles causes bloating, gas, or diarrhea, while weak contraction of the muscles results in a slower passage of food through the colon leading to hard stool. IBS is often labeled as either IBS-D or IBS-C, depending on whether diarrhea or constipation is prevalent. Some patients experience alternating diarrhea and constipation. IBS is also considered to be a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which relates to the way the gut interacts with the brain. This leads to increased sensitivity within the digestive tract.
What is the Difference Between IBS and IBD?
Although their abbreviations are similar, IBS and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) are two different conditions that must be managed in different ways. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is classified as a syndrome, while IBD, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is classified as a disease. IBS does not cause inflammation and symptoms rarely require hospitalization or surgery, while IBD can lead to inflammation and permanent harm to the intestines. IBD can be identified during diagnostic testing, such as a colonoscopy, while IBS cannot and is usually diagnosed by eliminating other potential causes for symptoms. IBS generally does not increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer, while IBD can. These conditions must be diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, who can get a clear picture of your unique situation and guide you towards the best next steps to take for your health.
Who is at Risk for IBS?
The causes of IBS are unknown. However, doctors have been able to identify several risk factors that may play a role in the development of IBS. Most people with IBS develop symptoms before the age of 40, often during childhood or young adulthood. Those with a family member with IBS have an increased risk of developing it, and women are twice as likely as men to develop IBS. Hormones are thought to play a role in IBS since many women with the condition report more severe symptoms around their menstrual cycles. It has also been shown that certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or a history of abuse can contribute to IBS.
What are the Symptoms of IBS?
Symptoms of IBS vary widely from patient to patient, but only a small number of patients experience severe symptoms. As mentioned earlier, diarrhea or constipation are often the predominant symptoms, and they can be accompanied by:
Bloating
Fatigue
Excess gas
Diarrhea
Constipation
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Bowel Urgency
Incomplete Evacuation
Mucus in stool
Discomfort after eating
Abdominal pain or cramping
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Fatigue
Nausea
Unexplained weight loss
Not everyone who suffers from IBS will experience all of these symptoms. Those with IBS often experience “flare-ups” of symptoms, which can last anywhere from days to months. During this time, symptoms may be more severe. However, many people with IBS experience symptoms consistently over time, with varying severity and frequency.
How is IBS Diagnosed and Treated?
There is no specific test to diagnose IBS, which makes it a condition that is often diagnosed after elimination of other conditions that could be causing the same symptoms. Conditions that are often ruled out include celiac disease or colon cancer.
When you see a gastroenterologist for IBS symptoms, they will likely review your medical history and perform a physical examination, along with determining if additional diagnostic tests are necessary. Modern treatment for IBS is primarily focused on relieving symptoms, and for most patients, mild symptoms can be fully managed by making diet and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may recommend that you eliminate certain gassy foods from your diet (ex: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and carbonated drinks). Treating IBS also involves learning what your triggers are, such as stress, and properly managing them. Your doctor may also encourage you to exercise regularly, increase fiber in your diet, and keep a food diary to provide insights into which foods may trigger flare-ups.
Acupuncture and IBS, how can it provide benefit?
Reduce Abdominal pain
Regulate Bowel movements
Stress reduction
Improved digestion
Balancing Gut flora
Enhance serotonin levels
Pain relief
Normalized gut motility
Improve immune function
Enhance blood circulation
Improve sleep quality
If you're seeking relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through acupuncture, we invite you to contact us at Sage Point Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. Our practitioner, Dr. Milligan, has demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating IBS symptoms for numerous individuals. Dr. Milligan brings extensive experience in the field, using not only acupuncture but also complementary therapies to potentially help enhance results.
If you're interested in scheduling a consultation to meet with Dr. Milligan, please contact us at Sage Point Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. During this consultation, Dr. Milligan will be able to discuss your concerns, answer questions, evaluate you, and create a potential treatment plan customized to your specific needs.
Let us help you take your next step towards relief! Contact us today!
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