Irritable bowel syndrome affects 5% of the French population. While the condition is not serious for those affected, it does cause significant day-to-day discomfort that it is essential to know how to manage. It is possible to relieve the symptoms of this syndrome, in particular by adopting a suitable diet.
Let's take a closer look at what you need to know about irritable bowel syndrome. Let's learn how to better understand this disease so you can better cope with the various symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome: definition
Also known as "functional colopathy", irritable bowel syndrome is defined as a disorder of intestinal function. It affects the small intestine, colon and large intestine.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects women more than men, and is mainly seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 40, although it can also be diagnosed in children and adolescents.
The causes of this syndrome are still poorly understood, but several factors may explain its appearance. There are several anomalies associated with this disease:
- A disturbed intestinal ecosystem
- An abnormality in intestinal sensitivity
- A motor disorder of the small intestine and colon.
We also know that factors such as stress, fatigue and depression can contribute to the onset of this disorder. Other illnesses, such as painful bladder syndrome or fibromyalgia, are also observed in conjunction with functional colopathy. You should also be aware that a significant percentage of patients suffer from lactose intolerance at the same time as irritable bowel syndrome.
How to recognise irritable bowel syndrome
Functional colopathy or irritable bowel syndrome can be recognised by the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain of varying intensity
- diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating between the two
- intestinal bloating
- extra digestive symptoms such as headaches, hot flushes and fatigue.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterised by its chronicity. This is the criterion on which the diagnosis is based: if the above-mentioned symptoms recur for 6 months at least one day a week, the doctor can make a definitive diagnosis. You should also be aware that this disease has periods of calm and periods of exacerbation.
Note that this syndrome is functional, and does not increase the likelihood of contracting other intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease. It is also a disease that has no impact on life expectancy.
How should I eat to relieve irritable bowel syndrome?
Treatment for functional colopathy involves taking antispasmodics or transit-regulating drugs. The purpose of taking these drugs is partly to relieve symptoms that have already appeared. However, it is possible to limit the onset of symptoms by adopting a suitable diet. This involves :
- avoid foods that are too fatty,
- limit fibre intake,
- avoid fizzy drinks,
- reduce consumption of industrial food products,
- limit, or even eliminate, the consumption offoods containing lactoseThis is particularly true when lactose malabsorption has been observed.
These eating habits should be accompanied by good daily hydration, as well as regular exercise, particularly walking, to help regulate bowel movements.
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