How do you explain IBS to patients?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It’s usually a lifelong problem.
What does living with IBS feel like?
The main symptoms of IBS are belly pain along with a change in bowel habits. This can include constipation, diarrhea, or both. You may get cramps in your belly or feel like your bowel movement isn’t finished. Many people who have it feel gassy and notice that their abdomen is bloated.
How can IBS affect you socially?
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you might feel like avoiding social situations. Going to dinners or unfamiliar places can be a challenge. You may be worried about not locating a bathroom fast enough or eating a food that could trigger your IBS symptoms.
Why does IBS make you feel so bad?
IBS affects how the brain and gut work together, and the condition may cause the muscles in the gut to contract more than they need to for a normal bowel movement. Excessive contraction of the gut muscle may lead to lower abdominal pain and cramping.
Can you be hospitalized for IBS?
People with IBS make more visits to their physicians, undergo more diagnostic tests, are prescribed more medications and are hospitalized more frequently than patients without IBS, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Can IBS make you feel like you’re dying?
Feeling as if you can’t breathe. Dizziness or light-headedness3 Fear of losing control or dying. Feeling as if you’re going to throw up.
How do you stop IBS fatigue?
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and IBS
- Cognitive behavioral therapy Talk therapy can give you tools to manage your condition, provide you some sense of control, and help you feel less overwhelmed.
- Medications that reduce pain Talk to your doctor about what medications may help reduce the pain from both conditions.