Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestine. In most cases it normally results in abdominal pain with constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating periods of both. 

Celestine Karangwa, a medic at Technology Clinic in Remera-Kigali, says sometimes it can be mistaken for colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that is actually a more serious condition involving damage to the colon.

In general, IBS affects about 20 per cent of the population. With the condition, experts say the symptoms can disappear for periods of time and then return.

Dr Karangwa says unlike inflammatory bowel disease, IBS brings no extra risk of cancer of the colon. However, he says if symptoms of IBS begin in people over the age of 50, it’s best to rule out polyps and colon cancer by having a direct inspection of the lower bowel done by an expert.

Causes

The cause of IBS has not been clearly established, but it’s currently thought to be due to the large and small intestines or over-or-under-sensing factors that may lead to abnormal bowel function.

For people with IBS, Karangwa says some situations may trigger pain and discomfort as well as emotional stress.

The medic adds that female hormones for women with IBS, symptoms often worsen during their period.

Apart from that, certain medications and foods or beverages such as alcohol, chocolate, coffee, dairy products, fructose, carbohydrates can also cause the condition.

How to go about it

Iba Mayale, a gynaecologist in Kigali, says signs include abdominal pain and cramps, which may have on-again, off-again bouts, or a continuous dull ache.

He says constipation or diarrhoea, or alternating periods of both, are also signs. There is also an urgent need to have a bowel movement as well as excessive gas.

According to Karangwa, people with IBS can usually manage symptoms by making adjustments to their lifestyle.

For instance, he says, a healthy diet can help control this. This can include foods rich in dietary fibre such as whole-grain bread and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables. 

Such foods, he says, prevent stool from drying out too much and helps to keep things moving regularly in the colon.

He notes that switching to a high-fibre diet might cause bloating and gas at first, but this usually goes away in a few weeks and can be reduced by making a gradual change to the amount of fibre consumed.

Karangwa says that it is also important to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to prevent or reduce constipation.

"Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce cramping and diarrhoea,” he says.

Additionally, he says, since stress can trigger symptoms of IBS, stress management is an important way to deal with the condition.

Exercise and some kind of relaxation training (such as meditation) is often recommended. 

Karangwa notes that medication for IBS is aimed at treating symptoms and that it is available to slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, and to control diarrhoea.

Experts note that laxatives are sometimes helpful for constipation, but people should not depend on them for regular bowel movements.

"Anti-diarrhoea medications may also be helpful to people who have mostly diarrhoea as a symptom. Many other medications are available and an expert can advise on which ones are right for you,” he says.