“It is also known as spastic colitis, a functional disorder of the intestine characterized by the absence of any organic disease, i.e. all tests are normal, says Mr. Theodosios Parhas Gastroenterologist, Director of the 1st Gastroenterology Clinic of Metropolitan General.

Symptoms of SHE

The main symptoms are the following:

– Episodes of abdominal pain, which usually subsides with a bowel movement
– Flatulence – Abdominal distension
– Diarrhea, Constipation or changes thereof
– Urgency to void
– Sensation of incomplete bowel emptying and presence of mucus in the stool

Based on the symptoms, 4 types of the syndrome can be distinguished:

– SEE with diarrhea
– SEE with constipation
– Mixed type with alternating discharges
– Indeterminate type where symptoms vary

Factors that trigger SHE flares

– Periods of intense stress, intense physical and psychological fatigue
– Depressive episode
– In women, due to hormonal changes, symptoms may appear more strongly on certain days of the period
– Diet also plays a decisive role, as well as intolerance to certain foods
– Quite often it can appear for the first time even after a simple episode of gastroenteritis and the patient asks the doctor for help because he thinks he has some kind of germ.

What tests should someone with symptoms have?

“The patient who shows symptoms on his first visit to the doctor will undergo some basic tests, possibly blood and fecal tests.

If there are findings, then it will not be SHE but some other condition where further tests will be needed.

A colonoscopy should be performed for people over the age of 45 as well as in people with iron deficiency anemia, microscopic blood loss from the digestive tract (Mayer stool), macroscopic blood loss from the digestive tract, significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain and persistent disorders of the voiding”, he clarifies.

Are there tests for food intolerance?

“To date, the only reliable test for intolerance is testing for celiac disease – that is, gluten intolerance – which can be done through a blood test or a gastroscopy and duodenal biopsy.

Lactose intolerance varies from region to region of the world, and can range from only 5% in Northern Europe to 50% in Mediterranean countries.

Is there a cure, what should someone with SSE do?

“Initially, it is very important for the person suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome to realize that they are not in danger and that they do not have a disease.

Good thing, during times when we are stressed/stressed, we should be very careful with our diet, as even a piece of chocolate can make a difference.

We should observe what bothers us and what doesn’t, because even healthy foods can cause us symptoms.

Daily exercise 15-20 minutes a day helps a lot and finally we should find ways to reduce stress”, concludes Mr. Parhas.