Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by its wide variety of symptoms. It affects millions of Americans but often goes undiagnosed due to the nature of those symptoms.The key to remember about irritable bowel syndrome is the idea of these issues recurring often, becoming chronic.
Chronic pains, gas, or abnormal bowels aren’t to be overlooked, so here are some common symptoms of IBS and some reasons sufferers might ignore or not share these symptoms.
Five Common Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Often relieved by bowel movements, this pain can vary in intensity and location. These pains can also often come and go based on mealtimes.
- Bloating and Gas: Excessive gas production can lead to discomfort and a feeling of fullness.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: IBS can present predominantly with diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or a mix of both (IBS-M). Particularly in IBS-M cases, patients can feel overwhelmed and confused by the seemingly contradictory nature of these two symptoms.
- Changes in Bowel Movements: This includes changes in the frequency and consistency of stools.
- Mucus in Stool: Presence of white or clear mucus in the stool is a big indicator of IBS, but is often overlooked, or goes unmentioned due to embarrassment on the part of the patient.
Reasons People Might Ignore IBS Symptoms
- Attribution to Diet or Stress: Many people attribute symptoms like bloating or cramping to diet or stress, assuming they are temporary or insignificant.
- Normalizing Symptoms: Over time, individuals may come to view their symptoms as a normal part of life, especially if they’ve experienced them for an extended period.
- Embarrassment: Gastrointestinal symptoms can be embarrassing to discuss, leading some people to avoid seeking medical advice.
- Intermittent Nature: IBS symptoms can be intermittent, with periods of flare-ups and remission. When symptoms subside, individuals might ignore them until they return.
- Misunderstanding the Severity: Some people might not realize that their symptoms could indicate a chronic condition like IBS and might dismiss them as less serious than they are.
Read Also: Why Treating the Entire Digestive System is Key to Managing IBS
Our Approach to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
At SmartLife Wellness, we do things differently. Our customized, in-home treatment plans empower you to take your health into your own hands under the guidance of an expert team interested in making you well.
We understand that irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t happen overnight, and so we have to address every part of the digestive system.
Starting as early as the saliva, which is one of the first ways your digestive system starts to break down food, and following the system all the way to the lower intestine and bowels, we track every problem you’re facing and provide you with the technology and education necessary to treat these problems in the comfort of your own home.
When suffering from regular IBS symptoms, it can be easy to let embarrassment or the passage of time prevent you from talking about what you experience. Ignoring these symptoms can make you miserable, living a life of discomfort where you always have to be aware of where the nearest bathroom is.
By being more mindful about the feelings you experience in your digestive system, you can be more aware if you’re becoming a victim of IBS and experiencing a lower quality of life because of it.
If you think you may be experiencing any of the symptoms of IBS mentioned above, we at SmartLife Wellness want to help. We offer a range of unique therapies and comprehensive personalized care plans in Arkansas to help you do more than manage IBS.
Don’t let embarrassment or misunderstanding keep you from the relief you deserve. Reach out to our New Patient Team today to start your journey to better digestive health.