3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the bowels, affecting roughly 20% of Singaporeans of all ages across both genders. IBS is not related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or any other bowel conditions. While IBS is characterised as a condition where bowel contents move through the intestines either too slowly or too quickly, IBD refers to a group of bowel conditions that cause inflammation, and swelling in the digestive tract.
Additionally, IBS are categorised into 4 types, namely:
  • Constipation-predominant.
  • Diarrhea-predominant.
  • Mixed.
  • Unclassified.

    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often associated with changes in your bowel habits, accompanied by painful abdominal cramps.

    What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

    Even though IBS is a common medical condition, doctors are unable to determine the exact causes of IBS. However, below are some potential triggers that have been formulated through the collective findings of researchers over the years;
  • Changes in gut bacteria, such as bacterial overgrowth.
  • Issues with the nervous system, such as poor communication between the intestines, and the brain.
  • Muscle contractions in the intestines.
  • Severe infections or gastritis
    • If you suspect you may be struggling with IBS, then schedule an appointment with Dr Ronnie today.

    What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

    IBS can cause an array of symptoms, including:
  • Abdominal bloating.
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Changes in bowel movements.
  • Changes in stool consistency, such as constipation, and diarrhoea.
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent burping.
  • Gassiness and gas pain.
  • Indigestion.
  • Mucus in poop.
    • However, because these symptoms are universal, it is important to seek proper medical consultation to receive an accurate diagnosis. It is even more crucial for you to see a doctor if you begin to experience:
  • Fever.
  • Bloody stools.
  • Night sweats.
    • People diagnosed with mental health conditions like anxiety, and depression are more likely to develop IBS.

    Who is at risk of irritable bowel syndrome in Singapore?

    Although IBS can occur at all ages, certain risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing IBS, such as:
  • Age: IBS is more prevalent among those who are in their 20s, through their 40s.
  • Gender: women are more susceptible to IBS due to the fact that the nerve cells that are responsible for facilitating food movement through the intestines are slower compared to men.
  • Family history of bowel-related illnesses: a family history of IBS, bowel, or ovarian cancer indicates a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with IBS.
  • Food allergy: certain food intolerances, such as dairy, may cause the intestines to be more sensitive, leading to IBS.
  • History of abuse/trauma: people with a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, and traumatic events are more likely to develop IBS.
  • Inflammation: an elevated inflammatory marker increases a person’s risk of having IBS.
  • Mental health diagnosis: people diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop IBS as the intense emotions trigger the chemical in the brain that causes the gut to react.
  • Previous medical illnesses: a history of previous digestive tract infections can lead to IBS.
    • These risk factors increase the pressure and strain on the anus, which can cause tears in the lining, resulting in an anal fissure.

    How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed in Singapore?

    Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to confirm IBS. When it comes to diagnosing IBS, doctors are more likely to initiate the diagnostic process through exclusion. This means ruling out other possible conditions, such as IBD.
    We will typically start by assessing your medical history. If you have been experiencing symptoms, then our doctor will inquire when they started, and the severity of the symptoms with the intention guide the diagnostic plan such as;

    Physical examination:

    a physical examination is necessary as doctors inspect your abdomen, to determine how hard, or soft it is, and to check for bloating.

    Blood tests:

    a blood test can help doctors check for anaemia as well as rule out celiac disease as a possible diagnosis.

    Colonoscopy:

    if you have a history of IBD, then your doctor may order a colonoscopy to check for colitis, bowel cancer, or Crohn’s disease.

    What are the treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome?

    The course of treatment for IBS often focuses on symptom relief, and prevention, as well as trigger management. Because the severity of these symptoms varies for each patient, the treatment plan is often tailored specifically to offer optimal relief to the patient. Here in CRCS, IBS treatment consists of:

    Dietary changes:

    If your symptoms include abdominal bloating, cramping, and pain, then a dietary change will help you alleviate those symptoms. Certain types of food are known to trigger IB, thus limiting them will help you effectively reduce discomfort and recurring symptom presentation. Our specialist is particularly effective in guiding IBS patients in laying out a healthy dietary plan– unique to their condition and specific requirements.

    Medications:

    Additionally, you may also be prescribed medications to manage your symptoms;
  • Antibiotics: to help balance the microbes in the guts.
  • Antidiarrheal medications: by slowing down the intestinal movements, and reducing the frequency of bowel movements, it helps to improve the stool’s consistency.
  • Low-dose antidepressants: these medications help make the gut’s nervous system less reactive to emotional stress, and foods that can trigger IBS.
  • Muscle relaxants: muscle relaxants help to ease, and prevent abdominal cramping.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Patients have described IBS as aching, and throbbing pain that frequently occurs in the abdomen.

    Yes, dairy is one of the common food triggers of IBS. In fact, by reducing lactose intake from your diet, you will gradually begin to experience fewer symptoms.

    Some of the at-home remedies that you can try are:

    • Eating a more high-fiber diet.
    • Exercising regularly.
    • Getting enough sleep.
    • Practising relaxation techniques, like yoga, and meditation, to soothe your gut-nervous system.

    Unfortunately, IBS has no cure. Once you have been diagnosed with IBS, treatment often involves managing your symptoms, and triggers.

    Location

    Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

    3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

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