Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often abbreviated IBS and sometimes referred to as “spastic colon” or “nervous stomach”, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder were altered gastrointestinal function leads to symptoms. The implication is that the gastrointestinal system in not damaged but altered in such a way that patients begin to have symptoms. It is believed that aberrant signals between the brain and gut result in abnormal motility and sensation leading to abdominal symptoms. This brain-gut axis is also modified by psychological stressors, prior acute bacterial gastroenteritis, imbalances in good versus bad gut bacterial flora and changes in reproductive hormones.

Patients are given a diagnosis of IBS when they have had cramping abdominal pain at least three times a month in the last three months with accompanying change in bowel frequency and/or consistency (diarrhea or constipation) and a characteristic improvement in pain following a bowel movement. A diagnosis of IBS is one of exclusion in that no other gastrointestinal disorders are present to explain these symptoms. Patients sometimes have other additional symptoms including the passage of mucus, bloating, distension and indigestion.

It is estimated that up to 20% of the adult population has experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBS appears to affect women more than men and occurs more commonly in our young adult population. A family history of IBS also increases one’s risk, however the exact genetics behind this relationship is unclear.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is typically diagnosed clinically based on history and physical examination. If there are complicating, alarming or atypical features then you should visit Dr. Mantas for further evaluation and exploration of other more serious gastrointestinal conditions that can mimic IBS. Sometimes additionally testing is needed including blood/stool tests, imaging and endoscopy/colonoscopy. Dr. Mantas has specialty training in each of these modalities.

Some people may have IBS-like symptoms but have another disorder entirely. Ruling these conditions out is imperative. Common disorders include Celiac Disease, chronic pancreatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and food intolerance/allergy.

People with IBS also tend to have other functional disorders including migraine headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, TMJ disorder and depression or anxiety. Recognition and treatment of these accompanying disorders is important for one’s overall health and management of IBS.

Rarely patients with IBS are at higher risk of developing additional gastrointestinal complications including ischemic colitis. It is important to have a gastroenterologist such as Dr. Mantas follow you and watch for complications.