2 When Eating Hurts
Heather Maher; Lourdes Vasquez; and Koffi Kouadio
What is IBS?
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a large intestine disorder known as a gastrointestinal disorder, which causes stomach pain and discomfort. It is a common disorder, and the signs and symptoms include:
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Vomiting and diarrhea or constipation (sometimes both)
The symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. However, what is the same for all is that the symptoms and signs are, for the most part, present for a long time. Meaning this is a chronic condition that needs to be treated long term. Having IBS can create a poor quality of life. This can lead to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, if not treated.
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What Causes It?
The causes of this disorder are still not very well known. Usually, unhealthy food and stressful situations trigger it, making it worse. Nonetheless, they do not cause it. What has been noted is that females under the age of 50, people with a family history of IBS, and a history of abuse or trauma tend to be more susceptible to the disorder. Other factors that may play a role are gut microbes changes due to a severe infection, antibiotics, or unhealthy eating habits. This diminishes your gastrointestinal flora, the healthy bacteria, which helps keep you healthy and increases the disease-causing bacteria. It is not easy to enjoy life with constant pain, discomfort, and such symptoms.
The pain might come from uncontrolled contractions in the muscles of the colon. And discomfort can be due to abnormalities in the nerves of your digestive system. Since the brain and the gut are interconnected, stress is a trigger for pain and discomfort. If not properly treated and kept under control, it can lead to more severe issues.
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Why is it Important that I treat it?
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are blood vessels within the lower rectum that become enlarged due to excessive pressure. This can be painful and cause bleeding, which can lead to more severe complications. Diarrhea and vomiting increase liquid and nutrient loss, which can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
Being deficient in one or more nutrients results in your immune system being at risk and susceptible to infectious bacteria. IBS can also affect your body’s digestion and how you absorb nutrients from foods. This can lead to malnutrition, which can cause more severe diseases. At this point, your immune response and your immune system become weak, not able to fight off infectious or chronic diseases, heal wounds, or protect you from developing cancer.
Do you feel IBS symptoms creep up more during finals, exams, or stressful situations?
Luckily it can be managed with:
- Proper diet
- Lifestyle
- Keeping stress under