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Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder in which there is inflammation of the central part of the large intestine, resulting in the appearance of some symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, which can appear in periods and be favored by some factors such as stress, food or use of medicines, for example.
Irritable bowel syndrome has no cure, however the treatment indicated by the gastroenterologist aims to relieve symptoms and promote the person's quality of life, and the use of drugs to relieve pain and discomfort and changes in eating habits may be indicated, that should be guided by the nutritionist.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The main symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome are:
- Abdominal pain;
- Abdominal swelling;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Increase in the amount of gases;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Sensation of incomplete emptying after evacuation;
- Presence of mucus in the stool, in some cases.
It is common for the person with irritable bowel syndrome to have periods with or without symptoms, and the symptoms and intensity may vary from person to person. Some factors that usually worsen or trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are the use of medication, a diet rich in stimulating and fatty foods, stress, anxiety or depression, for example.
Thus, it is important that the person consult the gastroenterologist as soon as the first symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome appear so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be started, preventing new crises.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome must be made by the gastroenterologist by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person and performing a physical examination. In addition, to confirm the diagnosis, some imaging tests are requested to identify any changes in the intestine, such as abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy.
How is the treatment
Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome should be done according to the indication of the gastroenterologist and aims to relieve symptoms if preventing new crises, and the use of medications to help reduce inflammation and, consequently, symptoms.
In addition, it is important that the person is accompanied by a nutritionist so that it is possible to make some adjustments to the diet, excluding from the diet some foods that may aggravate symptoms such as foods high in fat, caffeine, sugars and alcohol, for example. Here's how to make an irritable bowel diet.
Learn more about the foods you should avoid to relieve irritable bowel symptoms in the following video:
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team