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Feeling stressed is common in our society. Having so much to do and not enough time can leave us overtaxed and overworked. Couple this with a down economy and the upcoming holidays and it’s no wonder why we are a little more tense than usual.

We all know stress can give us a headache and make it harder for us to sleep, but did you know it can also aggravate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

“IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits,” says Suman Kaur, MD, a gastroenterologist with Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospitals. “People may experience diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating or gas on a daily basis.” In fact, experiencing IBS symptoms is the second most common reason employees miss work (common cold is the first).

Although IBS can affect anyone, it’s more common in young adults and occurs twice as often in women. “We aren’t sure if this is because women are more likely to seek medical attention or if hormonal reasons are to blame,” Dr. Kaur says. “But we encourage everyone whose quality of life is affected by IBS symptoms to talk to their doctor.”

Diagnosis
A thorough history of a patient’s symptoms is the most important tool a physician has to diagnose IBS, because there aren’t any physical signs. The main two criteria that must be met include: a change in bowel pattern and abdominal pain. However, if a patient is also experiencing weight loss or blood in the stool, further testing may be necessary. “Because IBS symptoms can be embarrassing to deal with, patients are often relieved after discussing them with a physician,” Dr. Kaur says.

Keeping it under control
Dr. Kaur says the first step toward managing IBS is maintaining a food journal. “IBS affects everyone differently,” she says. “A food log is an individualized way to see patterns and learn what foods trigger your symptoms.” Some common problem foods include:

• Raw vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and asparagus
• Beans
• Greasy food, like french fries
• Dairy products
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks

Your log should include what you eat and at what time, the symptoms you experience and when and what foods give you problems. Because stress can also aggravate symptoms, it may be helpful to include times you are feeling overwhelmed. However, even after avoiding trigger foods you may still have symptoms flare up. In those situations, medication can also help.

To determine what medication is right for patients, Dr. Kaur first asks them, “What symptoms are most bothersome to you?”

Abdominal discomfort – Antispasmodic drugs, such as muscle relaxers, can help relieve cramping.

Constipation – Over-the-counter bulking agents, such as bran and fiber, or non-stimulant laxatives encourage bowel movements.

Diarrhea – Anti-diarrheal drugs, such as Imodium^®, slow transit so fluids have more time to be absorbed in the colon.

To help patients manage IBS, physicians at Adventist Midwest Health encourage open communication. “The more you confide in your physician, the more we can help you,” Dr. Kaur says.

For more information, or to find a physician, call us at 866-533-7968.