The Mayo Clinic: Irritable bowel syndrome often chronic, but treatments can ease symptoms

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: For the past year or so, I have felt like I’m often either constipated or I have diarrhea, with only a few “normal” days here and there. I have a friend with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who suggested I be tested for this. However, my symptoms are not as severe as hers. Would you suggest I see a doctor about my symptoms?

ANSWER: Irritable bowel syndrome can cause the symptoms you describe, but other medical conditions can trigger them too. It would be a good idea to see your doctor and talk to him or her about your symptoms. Although no specific test to diagnose IBS exists at this time, your doctor can decide whether additional tests are needed to rule out other disorders.

IBS is a disorder that affects the intestines. It’s not clear what causes IBS, but several factors seem to play a role in its development. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm as they move food — which later becomes waste — from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum.

If you have IBS, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal. That can lead to abdominal pain or discomfort as food, gas or stool passes through the GI tract. IBS is also associated with bowel irregularity — sometimes diarrhea, sometimes constipation, sometimes both. Common associated symptoms can include gas and bloating.

Both adults and children can get IBS, but the condition often begins in the early 20s, and it tends to affect women slightly more often than men. The exact symptoms of IBS and the severity of those symptoms can vary from person to person. Although symptoms may come and go, for most people diagnosed with IBS, it’s a chronic, lifelong condition. Estimates suggest that 10% to 15% of the U.S. population has IBS.

An evaluation for IBS typically involves a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and medical history, along with a thorough physical exam. No other testing usually is necessary beyond this if your symptoms are typical of IBS. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other causes for your symptoms, since other conditions can cause pain, diarrhea and constipation. This may happen if your symptoms are severe, if there’s a family history of a GI condition, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms not typical of IBS, bleeding for example.

If you do have IBS, treatment typically focuses on controlling the symptoms. For people with mild to moderate IBS, dietary changes can often make a big difference. The specific changes needed depend on whether you’re dealing with diarrhea, constipation or both.

Some people with IBS find it helpful to work with a dietitian to identify healthy food choices that won’t trigger symptoms. For more-severe forms of IBS, a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help reduce symptoms.

If symptoms are interfering with your daily life, make an appointment with your doctor to review your condition and decide on the next steps. If you are diagnosed with IBS, therapies can probably help you feel better.

Dr. Yuri Saito, gastroenterology and hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

The MAYO CLINIC Q&A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email questions to MayoClinicQ&[email protected]. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.