Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, leading to symptoms like stomach cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel patterns (diarrhea, constipation, or both). Dr. Dipankar Das offers advanced diagnostic screening and personalized management plans for IBS in Guwahati.
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that while there are no obvious structural abnormalities in the colon during standard imaging, the digestive tract does not function normally. The walls of the intestines are lined with muscles that contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm as they move food. In IBS, these contractions may be stronger or last longer than normal, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Conversely, weak contractions can slow food passage, leading to hard, dry stools.
Types of IBS
Based on the pattern of bowel movements, IBS is divided into:
- IBS-C (Constipation Predominant): Severe straining, hard stool, and abdominal discomfort.
- IBS-D (Diarrhea Predominant): Sudden bowel urge, loose watery stools, and flatulence.
- IBS-M (Mixed/Alternating): Alternating between constipation and diarrhea.
Diagnosing IBS & Ruling Out Celiac/IBD
Since IBS symptoms overlap with other more serious diseases, diagnostic exclusion is necessary. Dr. Dipankar Das may recommend:
- Colonoscopy Screening: To rule out Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis) and colon polyps.
- Blood and Stool Tests: To screen for Celiac Disease (gluten allergy) and chronic infections.
- Stool Calprotectin: To check for intestinal inflammation.
Treatment and Dietary Management
IBS management combines clinical medication, dietary modifications, and stress management:
- Low-FODMAP Diet:
Avoiding highly fermentable carbohydrates like onions, garlic, wheat, milk (lactose), apples, and beans. Focus on soluble fiber (oats, banana) and gut-friendly probiotics like fresh curd.
- Pharmacotherapy:
Antispasmodics to reduce bowel cramping, laxatives for constipation, or low-dose neuromodulators to address the gut-brain axis.
- Stress Mitigation:
Since stress triggers gut spasms, gentle exercise, meditation, and regular sleeping patterns are encouraged.
