Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Neurotherapy Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes a wide range of digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. IBS is a complex and poorly understood condition, and its cause is still not clear. However, research has shown that IBS is a multifactorial disorder that can be caused by various factors, including genetics, diet, stress, and infections. This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of IBS.

IBS Incidence Rate: How Common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The incidence rate of IBS in India is not well documented due to a lack of large-scale epidemiological studies. However, it is estimated that IBS affects approximately 5-15% of the population in India. The prevalence of IBS varies across different regions of the country, with higher rates reported in urban areas compared to rural areas.

IBS is often underdiagnosed in India due to low awareness of the condition among healthcare professionals and the public. Many people with IBS may not seek medical attention or may be misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or lactose intolerance.

Research studies conducted in India have suggested that dietary and lifestyle factors may play a significant role in the development and management of IBS. For example, a high intake of spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol may trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals. Stress and anxiety have also been identified as risk factors for IBS in India.

Causes of IBS:

The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but several factors have been linked to the development of the condition. Some of the most common causes of IBS include:

1. Genetics: Studies have shown that IBS tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder.
2. Food intolerance: Certain foods, such as dairy products, wheat, and spicy foods, can trigger symptoms of IBS in some people.
3. Stress: Stressful life events or chronic stress can trigger IBS symptoms in some people.
4. Infections: Some people develop IBS after a bacterial or viral infection of the digestive system.
5. Abnormalities in the gut microbiome: Research has shown that the gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the gut, can play a role in the development of IBS.

Symptoms of IBS:

The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms of IBS include:

1. Abdominal pain or cramping: This is the most common symptom of IBS and is usually felt in the lower abdomen.
2. Bloating: This is a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
3. Gas: People with IBS may experience excessive gas and may feel the need to pass gas frequently.
4. Constipation: This is difficulty passing stool or infrequent bowel movements.
5. Diarrhoea: This is frequent, loose, watery stools.
6. Alternating constipation and diarrhoea: This is a common symptom of IBS, where a person experiences both constipation and diarrhoea.
7. Mucus in the stool: Some people with IBS may notice mucus in their stool.

Diagnosis of IBS:

Diagnosing IBS can be challenging, as there is no single test that can definitively diagnose the condition. The diagnosis is usually made based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The doctor may also perform certain tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These tests may include:

1. Blood tests: These tests can help rule out other conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Stool tests: These tests can help rule out infections or parasites.
3. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: These tests involve inserting a small camera into the colon to look for abnormalities.
4. X-rays or CT scans: These imaging tests can help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Complications: Here are some of the potential complications associated with IBS:

1. Malnutrition: Individuals with IBS may experience a reduced intake of nutrients due to dietary restrictions or avoidance of certain foods that trigger symptoms. This can lead to malnutrition and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Anxiety and depression: IBS can be a source of chronic stress, which can lead to the development of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that individuals with IBS are more likely to experience psychological distress and have a higher risk of developing mood disorders.
3. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth: IBS may be associated with an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to an increase in gas production and abdominal discomfort.
4. Haemorrhoids: Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements can increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum and anus.
5. Fatigue: IBS can cause fatigue due to disrupted sleep patterns, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies.
6. Sexual dysfunction: Some individuals with IBS may experience sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and pain during intercourse.

Role of Neurotherapy- Neurotherapy can enhance the communication between the gut and brain, resulting in improved gut-brain functioning. This therapy can help increase the communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Moreover, it balances the displacement of the naval which is the common cause of IBS.

How Neurovedic Holistic Healthcare help you out with IBS?

Neurovedic Holistic Healthcare provides authentic Ayurvedic delivery with individualised therapy for everyone at all touchpoints. Our goal is to implement the ayurveda philosophy of “prolonging life and promoting excellent health.”

We are the first organisation in the region to present “FUSION THERAPY,” a novel concept that combines Neurotherapy, Ayurveda, and Diet.

Neurotherapy helps in the induction of metabolism, circulation, and oxygen levels to restore and balance the body’s energy forces. Ayurvedic treatment helps to heal the underlying cause of the condition. Ayurvedic nectar-like herbs prevent further complications, toxins that have collected in the body should be removed, help to maintain the equilibrium of VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA DOSHAS, hence restoring digestive system functions.  A diet consultation aids in disease recovery, immune enhancement, cell repair, and even cell regeneration.