Irritable bowel syndrome: how to recognize the symptoms?

About 5% of the French population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. This pathology, also known as irritable bowel syndrome or functional colopathy, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain. If it is not serious, it is also difficult to live for those who suffer, because the pain associated with it is recurrent.

Irritable bowel syndrome: the signs that can alert

The symptoms that occur in people affected by this pathology are varied, making diagnosis difficult. However, the main signs of irritable bowel syndrome are usually:

• abdominal pain (spasms, cramps ...);
• bloating and flatulence;
• intestinal transit disorders (diarrhea, constipation or alternation of both).

Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome

To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, these stomachaches must occur at least once a week, during the last three months, and be associated with at least two of the following criteria:

• in connection with defecation;
• a change in stool frequency
• a change in the consistency of the stool.

Irritable bowel syndrome: the solutions

If there is no treatment of irritable bowel syndrome per se, it is possible to relieve the symptoms related to this pathology.

For this, it is appropriate to adopt a suitable diet, by focusing on a diet depleted in Fodmaps, carbohydrates found in certain foods such as certain fruits, vegetables, dairy products or industrial products that ferment.

It can also be interesting to look at probiotics, because the intestinal microbiota is implicated in irritable bowel syndrome. A 4-week study in 2008 showed that their use resulted in a significant decrease in abdominal pain and an increase in stool frequency in patients with constipation.

Finally, psychological counseling and gentle therapies such as hypnosis can also be proven.

Sources: the site of PiLeJe laboratory as well as that of theHealth Insurance.

Read also :

⋙ 6 things to know about irritable bowel syndrome

⋙ Irritable bowel syndrome: would we have found the cause?

⋙ Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effective Remedies for Functional Colopathy