Understand what irritable bowel syndrome is – 03/23/2023 – Equilibrium

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive tract disorder that can cause recurrent abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Unlike other problems in the region, the condition does not present inflammation or narrowing in the organs, only changes in the intestine-oriented functions.

This is what Sérgio Pessoa, FBG (Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology) states. “At times this bowel works faster than it should, at other times it works slower than normal and this is sometimes associated with abdominal pain.”

The gastroenterologist, who has been working in the area for about 30 years, also points out that the syndrome is common. Unlike other diseases, it does not appear in exams and the diagnosis is based on clinical criteria.

“Most patients expect us doctors to find a correspondence in the exams related to the symptoms they present, but we didn’t find it. The exams of patients who have the syndrome are absolutely normal”, says Ramos. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and the absence of more serious signs. To rule out other illnesses, however, patients are usually subjected to various examinations.

“These people are usually hypervigilant, they have some anxiety, they can present depression. There is a mechanism of general hypersensitivity, they are people who perceive very discreet changes in the movement of the organs”, points out Pessoa.

Isabella Scala, 22, received the diagnosis when consulting an endocrinologist to lose weight. “The most common symptoms for me are constipation, tummy ache, tenderness, and bloating,” she says. Also, she avoids foods that she believes are bad for her gut. Therapy has also helped Scala cope with the condition.

“I realized that sometimes when the syndrome attacks it is related to my mental health, so these two are the main ways I deal with it. I also take medication to deal with the symptoms when they appear”, he says.

The case is similar to that of Alice Gabriely da Silva Gonçalves, 19. As a teenager, the young woman had difficulty defecating, in addition to vomiting and swelling as a result of a trapped intestine. Her mother even suspected a pregnancy and appendicitis. Only when she started treating the generalized anxiety did she discover it was irritable bowel syndrome.

“My main symptoms are a trapped intestine, I can’t go to the bathroom for weeks, in addition to colic and cramps”, he points out. According to Gonçalves, when your anxiety and bipolar disorder are under control, your bowel functions normally.

syndrome is benign

Maira Marzinotto, gastroenterologist at the Specialized Center for Digestive Apparatus at Hospital Oswaldo Cruz, says that the condition has no cure, but it is a benign chronic disease.

“I usually tell patients with a diagnosis that I have good and bad news: the good news is that it is completely benign, it can never be held responsible for any functional risk, cancer or anything more serious”, he points out. “The bad news is that it is a chronic disease and there is no cure.”

The doctor advises patients to seek a correct diagnosis and identify harmful foods. “The ones that usually worsen the symptoms are fermentative foods, such as milk, which tends to ferment a lot in people and in their bellies. Also chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils, beers, wheat flour, among others”, he says. .

Marzinotto indicates that the syndrome is more common in young adults aged 20 to 40 years, although there are cases in older people. The doctor also says that the pathology is more frequent in women.

“Usually it’s just changing the diet that [o paciente] it is fine. There are people who have a more intense state and need to make a more tense change, but most manage to live well as long as they have control”, he adds.

“Anxiety, nervousness, stress, depression or emotional issues influence how much we feel things. So, sometimes a person who is not anxious may have the syndrome, but they don’t suffer as much and have fewer symptoms.”