It is chronic and characterized by a group of symptoms whose severity varies from person to person. In most cases, however, the symptoms can significantly affect the sufferer’s quality of life.

It is estimated that in the United States about 10-15% of adults suffer from the syndrome, while in Europe it occurs in one in eight. The disorder is more common in women than men and usually begins in early adulthood. In the age group 45-64 the percentage of sufferers reaches 18-20%.

What exactly is irritable bowel syndrome?

“Irritable bowel syndrome (or spastic enterocolitis) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (there is no visible or structural damage to the digestive system) that affects the large intestine (colon). The exact cause of the syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including abnormal contractions of the large intestine, hypersensitivity to pain and disturbances in the gut-brain axis (disruption of enteric nervous system-brain communication),” explains Mr. Georgios Katsoras Specialist Gastroenterologist & Interventionist

Endoscopist, Attending Gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Hospital.

“Symptoms of the syndrome can vary from person to person,” he continues, adding: “This means that some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms that significantly affect their daily life. The most common symptoms of the syndrome are:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Gases
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mucus in the stool
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movements

These symptoms may be triggered by certain foods, stress, hormonal changes or other factors, and may overlap with those of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). ). Therefore, in order to establish the diagnosis, it is important to visit a qualified doctor”, he adds.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

“There is no specific test for this syndrome, so the diagnosis is usually made based on the presence of characteristic symptoms and the absence of other underlying medical conditions. The doctor will first take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination.

He may also order certain tests, such as stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging studies, to rule out other conditions. In some cases, the doctor may also perform a colonoscopy or endoscopy to check the colon or small intestine,” emphasizes Mr. Katsoras.

He clarifies that “certain criteria have been established that are used to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders, the most widely used being the Rome criteria. Specifically, for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, since 2016 the Rome IV criteria apply. According to them, a person must have recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least one day a week for the past three months, along with two or more of the following symptoms:

• pain or discomfort associated with defecation
• changes in the frequency of bowel movements
• changes in the form or appearance of stools

If the examinee meets these diagnostic criteria, they are diagnosed with the syndrome which is then classified, based on the affected individual’s “main habit” of the bowel, into one of the following four subtypes:

• Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
• Irritable bowel syndrome with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
• Untyped irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-U)’

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

There is no specific treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, but there are several treatment options that can help manage symptoms. Treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and medications.

Lifestyle changes:

Sufferers should adopt regular but not necessarily intense exercise, stress management techniques (breath control, yoga) and seek adequate and restful sleep every day.

Dietary changes

For the appearance of the symptoms of the syndrome, different foods are “guilty” for each person. “However, there are some foods that seem to affect the majority of sufferers. These are fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, high fiber foods, milk and spices. If any or all of these foods are found to aggravate the symptoms of the syndrome, they should be avoided or even eliminated from the sufferer’s diet.

However, since fiber, despite triggering the syndrome, should not be missing from anyone’s diet, it would be good not to eliminate its intake but to accompany it with an increased parallel consumption of water. In addition to dietary sources of plant fiber, the doctor or a specialist nutritionist can also recommend some supplements (linseed, probiotics, prebiotics – the “food” of probiotics).

The so-called short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAP) such as lactose (contained in milk, dairy products and ice cream) and fructose should also be avoided,” the expert points out.

Therapeutic approach

“There are several types of medication that can be prescribed to manage the symptoms of the syndrome, including: antispasmodics, which help reduce abdominal cramping, and laxatives or antidiarrheals, which can help regulate bowel movements. In some cases, antidepressant medications may also be used to help relieve symptoms of pain or discomfort.

In addition, some behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medical hypnotherapy can be effective in managing the symptoms of the syndrome in people with significant anxiety.

In conclusion, while IBS is a chronic condition, most sufferers can live a normal, healthy life with the help of proper treatment and self-care. It is also important for people with the syndrome to work closely with their doctor to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their unique symptoms and needs,” concludes Mr. Katsoras.