IBS, which leads to either chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation or both, needs to be taken more seriously, especially since it’s sometimes given as the wrong diagnosis for another gut disorder.
While I was being prepped for a colonoscopy to find out why I had recently begun having diarrhea and odd-looking stools, the nurse said that my symptoms might be arising from IBS.
It turned out that my stool changes were caused by microscopic colitis, a mild form of inflammatory bowel disease.
But my case is certainly not an anomaly. IBS may be at times diagnosed for another condition – or, someone who has IBS may end up getting a different diagnosis — but these situations don’t mean that IBS doesn’t truly exist.
April is recognized as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to better understand a common yet often misunderstood digestive disorder.
IBS affects millions worldwide, causing cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, fatigue, nausea and significant disruption to daily life.
However, despite its prevalence, IBS remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood by both the public and healthcare providers.
IBS is a chronic condition that impacts the large intestine, also causing the symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation or alternating between both, and feeling incomplete after a BM.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 10-15% of people worldwide suffer from IBS, making it one of the most common GI disorders.
Yet, the complexity of its symptoms and causes makes it difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.
The Difficulty in Diagnosing IBS
Unlike conditions with visible physical markers, like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and microscopic colitis (the latter being diagnosed via microscope viewing of tissue samples from the large colon), IBS lacks a definitive test, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delays in treatment.
The difficulty in diagnosing IBS stems from its varied and often fluctuating symptoms.
These can be mild or severe and can resemble other conditions, such as food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease and even colon cancer.
As a result, many people with IBS spend years seeking answers, going through multiple tests and visiting numerous healthcare providers before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Furthermore, because IBS symptoms can mimic those of other digestive disorders, the distinction between IBS and more serious conditions can be unclear, leaving patients uncertain and anxious about their health.
NOTE: It’s entirely possible to have IBS along with other GI disorders.
Men Get IBS, but It Affects Women More
Research also suggests that IBS disproportionately affects women, with about two-thirds of those diagnosed being female.
The reasons for this gender difference are not fully understood, but hormonal fluctuations may play a role in the onset and severity of symptoms.
Effects on Mental Health
People with IBS often experience mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, which can stem from or be exacerbated by the chronic nature of the condition.
I once found a thread title in an IBS forum that went: “Do you wait until you’re home from work to eat?”
According to a study published in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, mental health disorders are common among those with IBS, with nearly 40% of patients reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What can more awareness of IBS do?
Greater awareness can lead to more timely and accurate diagnoses, better treatments and a reduction in the stigma often associated with gastrointestinal issues.
NOTE: Just because IBS symptoms mimic those of some other gut conditions doesn’t mean that the treatment for IBS would be the same as for any of those other conditions.
For instance, though the symptoms of IBS and microscopic colitis significantly overlap (save for the constipation), the treatments for both conditions are vastly different.
Greater awareness could spur more research into effective treatments.
Currently, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing IBS.
Treatments may include dietary changes, stress management and medication, but these options don’t work equally well for everyone.
Educational campaigns during IBS Awareness Month play a strong role in informing the public about the signs and symptoms of this disorder, encouraging people to seek medical advice earlier.
Recognizing IBS as an often debilitating condition, rather than dismissing it as merely “having to poop several times a day,” can lead to earlier interventions and more effective management.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or Colon Cancer Symptom Comparison
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness, where she was also a group fitness instructor, she trained clients of all ages and abilities for fat loss and maintaining it, muscle and strength building, fitness, and improved cardiovascular and overall health.
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