What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain and discomfort along with diarrhea or constipation, even though tests do not reveal any visible abnormalities in the intestines. The characteristic feature is that abdominal pain is related to passing stool, and sometimes the pain is relieved when you pass stool. Depending on the condition, it can be divided into types characterized by frequent diarrhea, frequent constipation, or a combination of both.
Irregular bowel movements and a sensitive gut to stimuli can be associated with this condition, and tension, anxiety, and stress can make symptoms worse. It can also interfere with daily life in ways such as stomach aches during commuting or before exams or important meetings. It is also believed that it can begin after a case of gastroenteritis.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- Along with abdominal pain and discomfort, they also experience repeated diarrhea and constipation.
- I'm worried that my stomach will hurt while commuting or when I'm out and about, and it's interfering with my daily life.
- I am taking over-the-counter medication, but the symptoms are still present.
In cases such as these, it is important to check whether the symptoms are not due to irritable bowel syndrome and whether any other intestinal diseases are present. Please consult us as soon as possible.
- The stool has blood in it, the stool is black
- My weight has decreased.
- Having a fever, waking up in the middle of the night with abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Recently, my bowel movements have suddenly changed.
- My family has people with colon cancer and other diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines.
- The symptoms appeared for the first time after I turned 50.
Tests performed at our clinic
We will ask about the symptoms that have been present since when they began, the condition of the stool, the relationship between diet and lifestyle habits, stressful situations, and the medications you are taking, and then perform a physical examination of the abdomen. If necessary, we will perform blood tests to check for inflammation or anemia.
Intestinal irritable syndrome is diagnosed after ensuring that no other illnesses are present. If colonoscopy is necessary, such as when blood is found in the stool, we will recommend a medical institution that can perform a colonoscopy. The medical institutions we work with include:About Partner HospitalsPlease visit the page for the "What is a cookie?" section.
medical treatment
First, we will work together to review your lifestyle, including your diet, sleep, and exercise habits. Because some foods, such as fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine, are likely to trigger symptoms in different people, we will determine the relationship between your symptoms and your diet.
The medication is combined according to the type of symptom, such as those that normalize bowel function, those that relieve diarrhea and constipation, and those that relieve abdominal pain.
When stress and anxiety are strongly involved, we may also refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which department should I consult if I have irritable bowel syndrome?
A. We provide medical care in our internal medicine department. If you need an examination of your colon, we will recommend a medical institution that can perform the examination.
Q. Is stress the only cause?
A. Stress is one of the triggers that worsen symptoms, but several factors are believed to be involved, such as the movement of the intestines and the sensitivity of how they feel.
Q. Are there any special precautions I should take when eating?
A. The foods that are likely to trigger the symptoms vary from person to person. If you keep a note of the foods you ate on the day you developed symptoms, you can review them together.