Irritable Bowel Syndrome is Not One... Learn About Its Three Types

SadaNews - The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) vary from person to person, but many do not know that this condition is divided into three main types: IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and a mixed type between the two. Identifying the type of IBS helps in selecting the appropriate treatment and better managing the symptoms.

A report published by Health magazine reviews the types of IBS, the main symptoms of each type, and how to diagnose and treat it.

What is IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D)?

This type is the most common, affecting about 40% of IBS patients, and is associated with recurrent episodes of diarrhea.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests that changes in the gut microbiome, which refers to the balance of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms in the digestive system, may play an important role.

An imbalance can disrupt communication between the gut and the brain, causing food to pass through the intestines more quickly, leading to diarrhea, cramps, and other symptoms.

It may also make the nerves in the intestines more sensitive, so that the normal passage of food or gas causes pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

During symptomatic days, at least 25% of the stools are loose or watery, and less than 25% are hard.

Common symptoms include:

- A sudden and urgent need to have a bowel movement.

- Abdominal cramps that improve after defecation.

- Bloating.

- Gas.

- Occasional fecal incontinence.

- Presence of white mucus in the stool.

These symptoms can affect daily life, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

What is IBS with Constipation (IBS-C)?

This type is associated with recurrent constipation or hard stools, is more common in females, and often begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but it can affect all ages.

Causes

Potential factors include:

- Gut microbiome imbalance: This leads to slower bowel movements, allowing more water to be absorbed from the stool, making it dry and hard.

- A low-fiber diet: Fiber helps to increase stool bulk and move waste.

- Triggering foods: Like dairy, gluten, and fatty foods, which can exacerbate symptoms even in small amounts.

Symptoms

During symptomatic days, more than 25% of stools are hard or lumpy.

Symptoms include:

- Persistent abdominal pain or cramps.

- Severe bloating and gas.

- Difficulty or straining during bowel movements.

- Feeling of incomplete defecation.

Symptoms may temporarily improve after defecation, but long-term control requires a continuous treatment plan.

What is Mixed IBS (IBS-M)?

Those affected by this type experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, making it more complicated to manage, as the symptoms can change abruptly.

It affects men and women in similar proportions.

Causes

Studies indicate that gut microbiome disorders may affect the gut-brain axis, leading to irregular bowel movements, where waste sometimes moves too quickly causing diarrhea and sometimes slowly causing constipation.

Psychological stress and certain foods may also trigger symptoms.

Symptoms

During symptomatic days, more than 25% of stool is hard or lumpy, and more than 25% is watery or loose.

Symptoms include:

- Abdominal cramps that vary in intensity and location.

- Fluctuating gas and bloating.

- An urgent need for a bowel movement at times and difficulty at other times.

- Feeling of incomplete defecation.

- Presence of mucus in the stool.

- Feeling of fullness or nausea after eating.