Irritable bowel syndrome, one of the most common digestive system diseases, is an important public health problem that causes serious social and economic burden worldwide. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects approximately one in five people in the world, is a functional bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort in the absence of an underlying disease and changes in defecation habits. It is 2-3 times more common in women than in men. Although the disease has been known for a long time, its exact cause is not fully known. However, the most accepted view today is that psychological, psychosocial, environmental and genetic factors play a role together. The frequency of this disease, formerly called spastic colon or spastic colitis, increases with age and usually begins before the age of 45.
Different complaints may be observed in each patient. Abdominal pain, discomfort in the abdomen, constipation, diarrhea or constipation-diarrhea attacks, defecation in the form of olive grains or goat droppings, mushy defecation, feeling of urgency to defecate, abdominal distension, gas, feeling of fullness, rumbling and winding in the abdomen, inability to fully empty the intestines with defecation. Feelings are the most common complaints. Abdominal pain never wakes patients up from sleep. Pain usually increases with eating or stress, but is relieved by passing gas or defecating. Half of the patients have defecation containing saliva or slimy discharge. In these patients, there is no blood in the stool, weight loss, malnutrition, or diarrhea that wakes them up at night. Apart from intestinal complaints, heartburn, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, feeling of not fully emptying the bladder, painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, impotence, widespread muscle pain, lower back pain, headache, weakness, insomnia and impaired concentration. It is also seen together with IBS.
The diagnosis of IBS can only be made in patients who meet the diagnostic criteria by showing that there is no other underlying disease. The disease is long-term, recurrent, does not turn into cancer and does not cause death.
There is no definitive treatment for IBS today. 70% of patients have mild disease. In this group of patients, lifestyle and dietary habits It is recommended to change their habits. There is no standard diet list used for every patient. Patients with constipation should consume plenty of water and fibrous foods. Lactose intolerance (inability to digest dairy products) and IBS may occur together. Lactose-free milk and dairy products should be used in these patients. Patients who complain of excessive gas and rumbling should stay away from carbonated drinks, not swallow too much, not eat in a hurry, and stay away from starchy foods, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Patients with diarrhea should avoid foods containing excessive fruit sugar (fructose), sweeteners (sorbitol) and caffeine. There is no standard drug treatment that will be beneficial for every patient. Drug treatment is arranged according to the patient's complaints. Apart from medication, patients who are particularly resistant to treatment may need to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. Stress control methods such as psychodynamic therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga and reiki may also be effective in some patients.
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