⭐ Introduction: When Your Stomach Controls Your Day, It May Be IBS
Stomach cramps, unpredictable bowel movements, bloating after every meal, and discomfort that affects work and sleep — for millions, this is everyday life with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
IBS is not dangerous, but it is extremely distressing, affects quality of life, and is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
At BariOSS Clinic, Tirunelveli, Dr. Christopher S.K. provides accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans for IBS patients using a combination of medical care, lifestyle guidance, and modern digestive assessments.
⭐ What Is IBS?
IBS is a functional bowel disorder, meaning the digestive tract looks normal, but it doesn’t function normally. It affects: ✔ Bowel movement pattern ✔ Intestinal muscle contraction ✔ Gut-brain communication ✔ Digestive sensitivity It is chronic but manageable with the right care.
⭐ Types of IBS
⭐ 1. IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant)
Frequent loose stools.
⭐ 2. IBS-C (Constipation-predominant)
Hard stools, difficulty passing motion.
⭐ 3. IBS-M (Mixed type)
Alternating diarrhea and constipation.
⭐ 4. IBS-U (Unclassified)
Symptoms not fitting typical categories.
⭐ Symptoms of IBS
✔ Abdominal pain ✔ Cramping ✔ Bloating ✔ Gas ✔ Mucus in stool ✔ Irregular bowel habits ✔ Feeling of incomplete evacuation ✔ Fatigue ✔ Anxiety linked with symptoms
Symptoms may worsen with stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
⭐ Causes & Triggers of IBS
IBS has multiple contributing factors: ⭐ 1. Stress & Anxiety Gut and brain communication becomes altered. ⭐ 2. Food Sensitivities Milk, gluten, fried foods, caffeine, certain fruits. ⭐ 3. Gut Motility Problems Irregular muscle contractions in colon. ⭐ 4. Post-Infection IBS After severe stomach infection. ⭐ 5. Hormonal Changes Common in women due to fluctuations. ⭐ 6. Genetic Predisposition ⭐ 7. Abnormal Gut Microbiome Imbalance of gut bacteria.
⭐ When IBS Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored
Seek medical attention if you have: ✔ Blood in stool ✔ Sudden weight loss ✔ Severe abdominal pain ✔ Fever ✔ Vomiting ✔ Persistent diarrhea ✔ Family history of IBD or colon cancer These may indicate more serious issues like IBD or colitis — requiring colonoscopy.
⭐ Diagnosis of IBS
IBS is diagnosed based on: ✔ Rome IV criteria ✔ Symptom analysis ✔ Excluding serious diseases
Tests may include: ✔ Blood tests ✔ Stool tests ✔ Colonoscopy (if red flags present) ✔ Ultrasound