Irritable bowel syndrome (also known simply as irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. It occurs quite frequently and is estimated to affect 20-30% of all people in Europe.
Here you will find further information and highly qualified irritable bowel specialists.
Patients with functional illnesses suffer from physical impairments. However, no organic causes can be found.
Many sufferers have complaints such as abdominal pain and digestive disorders for which no doctor has been able to diagnose them. Although irritable bowel syndrome is not dangerous, it can have a major impact on patients' lives.
The disease occurs in all age groups, but predominantly in 35 to 50-year-olds. Women are affected twice as often as men. In Europe, around 20 to 30 percent of all people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be mild or severe. For most sufferers, periods of severe symptoms alternate with symptom-free phases.
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be similar to those of other illnesses. The doctor should therefore carry out a thorough examination to rule out other illnesses. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are
Diarrhea and constipation are among the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome © s-motive | AdobeStock
There are three different types of irritable bowel syndrome.
In the constipation type, the primary symptom is constipation and the patient has rather infrequent bowel movements.
The diarrhea type has very soft to liquid stools and frequently suffers from diarrhea.
The third type of irritable bowel syndrome affects people who alternate between constipation and diarrhea.
Of course, there are also patients who cannot be assigned to any of the three types.
In addition, complaints such as
occur.
If fever, weight loss or blood in the stool are also present, it is essential to consult a doctor. In rare cases, a serious illness may be behind such symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome can occur together with other illnesses. Certain illnesses also favor the development of irritable bowel syndrome. These include, for example
Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by many factors. The specific cause has not yet been clarified. It used to be assumed that irritable bowel syndrome was a purely psychological disorder. Today it is known that several circumstances can contribute to its development.
Typical risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome are
A genetic predisposition may also contribute to irritable bowel syndrome.
There is no specific test to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. However, various examinations can rule out other illnesses and thus confirm the suspicion of irritable bowel syndrome.
A thorough medical history is taken at the beginning of the visit to the doctor. This involves asking about the patient's medical history and possible family history. A food diary in which the patient records their meals and the type, duration and severity of their symptoms can be very helpful.
The doctor will palpate the abdomen and listen to bowel sounds with a stethoscope. If a disease of the bowel is suspected, the doctor may palpate the rectum with his fingers (rectal examination).
The following examinations serve to rule out other diseases:
There is no causal therapy for irritable bowel syndrome, but there are numerous measures that can help to alleviate the symptoms. The measures are very individual and depend on the type of symptoms and triggers.
As a rule, the treatment consists of
Certain foods are poorly tolerated by irritable bowel syndrome patients. These include fatty, flatulent or spicy foods. They should therefore be removed from the patient's diet as far as possible.
It can sometimes take a long time for the patient to test which foods exacerbate the symptoms and which are part of the optimal diet.
As a general rule, frequent smaller meals at regular intervals are easier to digest than three large meals. Eating should also be done slowly and without rushing.
Digestion can work best when the body has enough fluids available. Many patients therefore need to get back into the habit of drinking enough.
It is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether.
Depending on the primary symptoms, the doctor may prescribe certain medications for short-term relief. Drugs that reduce or stop bowel movements can help with diarrhea, for example.
Laxatives can provide relief for constipation, but these medications should never be taken long-term.
Painkillers are useful for severe abdominal cramps.
There are also many herbal remedies that alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. For example
for flatulence and abdominal pain.
As irritable bowel syndrome is often exacerbated by worry and stress, it is essential to improve your mental state.
Sporting activities not only help to stimulate digestion, but also have a positive influence on the psyche.
Regular relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, yoga or meditation are suitable for balancing stress.
For long-term psychological problems, psychotherapy can be very effective and contribute to a happier life.
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