IBS Standing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that takes unusually high toll on population inhabiting every corner of the earth, apparent in symptoms such as pain in the stomach area with bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Precisely why this condition causes what it does in most cases is still unclear.
Some researchers place the stress on gut-brain interactions, others have looked toward the motility disorders in the gut, and yet others ascribe a great part of IBS to food hypersensitivity. Probably the greatest concern of a person suffering from IBS is the duration and frequency of attacks of IBS. This article is going to explain the pattern of IBS attacks, factors influencing their duration, and ways of management.
Nature of IBS Attacks
What Is an IBS Attack?
An IBS attack is said to be that point in time in a patient who displays greater symptoms of IBS. Attacks occur at varying degrees and time periods too and presents with any, or all of the following:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Change of bowel habit
How Long Do IBS Attacks Last?
The periods of IBS attacks vary considerably from individual
to individual and even from one episode to another within the same individual.
Some last for only hours, while others may last for days. The duration of an
IBS attack can be divided into the following:
- Short-term Attacks: They are from a few hours to one day.
The symptoms are temporary, sometimes even responding to dietary changes and
some over-the-counter drugs.
- Long-term Attacks: These attacks may last for days, thus
requiring more intense approaches to its management. The long-term attack may
be accompanied by persistent discomfort, hence very disruptive to activities.
Determinants of IBS Attack Duration
There are several factors that can influence the length and
severity of the attack. This knowledge may hold the secret to controlling its
symptoms and lowering the incidence of attacks.
1. Diet and food triggers
Some foods even trigger an attack of IBS and one can take
the maximum advantage from controlling one's diet more than any other form of
therapy. In general, such provoking agents may include:
- FODMAPs: Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide’s,
and polyols are those products that ferment within the intestines and lead to
bloating and discomfort within sensitive people. High FODMAP foods contain some
fruits and vegetables, certain dairy products and sweeteners, and more.
- Fatty Foods: The higher fat meals delay digestions and
exacerbate symptoms.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: They irritate the gastrointestinal
tract and cause exacerbation.
- Management Tip: A food diary may help identify personal
triggers and guide dietary choices.
2. Stress and Psychological Factors
There is certainly no need for special emphasis regarding the fact that stress triggers an IBS attack. In a gut-brain connection, easily does emotional stress affect the sensitivity as well as motility of one's gut? One would feel a kind of rise of symptoms of IBS when he has high stress levels or states of anxiety in himself.
- Management Tip: Mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep
breathing exercises might be useful to some for managing the symptoms as well.
3. Hormonal Fluctuation
In women, changes with the menstrual cycles have also been linked to symptoms in IBS for most females. Some find their attacks coming on more often and for longer durations during menstruation.
- Management Tip: One can closely watch for trends on the
menstrual cycle and IBS symptoms to intercede accordingly.
4. Gut Health and Micro biome
Through literature, it has been proven that the symptoms of IBS are as a result of the imbalance of gut bacteria. A healthy gut micro biome balance is essential to effective digestion, and therefore any form of interference with this balance leads to persistent symptoms.
- Management Tip: Probiotics or prebiotics may be used to restore the balance in the gut. This can only be achieved by consulting a health provider on the correct decisions.
Control Strategies for IBS Attacks
Even though IBS attacks can be aching, a number of avenues
exist that will lead to controlling symptoms and diminishing the frequency and
duration of an attack.
1. Dietary Modification
Most commonly, dietary changes are the first response in managing IBS symptoms. These may include:
- Low-FODMAP Diet: This is the withdrawal of high-FODMAP foods
for a time period followed by reintroduction to determine which of these foods triggers
are. Most patients find that their symptoms of IBS will improve with this diet.
- Regular Patterns of Meals: Some patients benefit from having
small, frequent meals to ensure regular digestion and avoid worsening of
symptoms.
2. Medications
Some patients require medications to control symptoms. A number of medications that are available include:
- Antispasmodics: These drugs may help in reducing cramping
and pain in the abdomen.
- Laxatives: In cases of constipation, laxatives may be
helpful.
- Antidiarrheal Medications: Over-the-counter medications such
as lope amide may be used to treat diarrhea.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also play a big role in the management of IBS:
- Regular Exercise: Physical activities help regulate the
bowel and thus reduce stress.
- Adequate Hydration: Digestive health calls for drinking of
much water; this can, therefore, aid in alleviation of constipation.
- Sleep Hygiene: Improvement of quality sleep helps reduce
stress and improves one's general wellbeing.
4. Psychological Support
CBT and other psychotropic may be of help to IBS victims.
They may perhaps deliver the stress and anxiety management coping techniques to
the patient, which would then reduce the frequency of IBS attacks.
When to see a doctor
Although the disease can be controlled and treated, it is also advisable to seek medical attention when you, your child, or family members experience the following:
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bleeding from stool
- Not benefited by modification in lifestyle
Conclusion
The attack of IBS may range between short to long terms
depending upon factors like diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations and gut health
etc. Knowledge and proper management of those factors can become the only
effective way for help in improvement in quality of life for the sufferer.
Unlike other types of IBS, such patients can easily adopt
the strategy of tracking triggers, diet modification, and stress management
that may help alleviate the attacks that are often episodic and milder. IBS is
a chronic disease but its management allows for much healthier and enjoyable
living.
Please book an appointment with the Best Gastroenterologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
