Often, digestive issues are quickly labelled as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s as though any and all stomach woes fall under this catch-all diagnosis.
Stomach pain? IBS. Constipation and diarrhoea? IBS. Bloating or gas? IBS.
But is this accurate? Are we truly addressing the root of digestive problems, or is the IBS label an easy fallback when there’s no clear answer?
In an age of advanced testing, it’s surprising that so many people receive vague diagnoses like IBS without deeper investigation. Could IBS simply be a placeholder for undiagnosed digestive conditions?
What is IBS?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects how the digestive system works without causing structural damage. Common IBS symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
- Excessive gas
IBS affects up 10 - 15% of the population, yet its root causes remain unclear. Contributing factors may include:
- Gut-brain interactions: The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis, stress and mental health issues may trigger symptoms.
- Gut motility issues: Irregular bowel movements may lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
- Gut microbiota imbalances: Dysbiosis, or imbalance in gut bacteria, may cause 'bad bacteria' to multiply and result in IBS symptoms.
- Visceral hypersensitivity: Heightened intestinal sensitivity may make normal digest uncomfortable.
Because IBS is diagnosed by symptoms rather than a specific test, many people remain unsure of what’s really causing their discomfort.
How is IBS diagnosed?
Medical professionals commonly use the Rome IV criteria to diagnose IBS. This includes abdominal pain at least once a week for the last three months, plus at least two of the following:
- Improvement with defecation
- Change in stool frequency
- Change in stool form or appearance.
There are no definitive blood tests or scans for IBS. Instead, doctors rule out other conditions through medical history, lab work, and possibly a colonoscopy. IBS symptoms vary widely and are classified into subtypes like IBS-D (diarrhoea), IBS-C (constipation), and IBS-A (alternating).
Could it be something else?
While IBS can impact quality of life, it’s crucial to consider other possible causes if treatments don’t help. Several conditions mimic IBS, including:
- Food intolerances: e.g., lactose or gluten sensitivity
- Coeliac disease: This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the small intestine in response to gluten.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis can present with symptoms very similar to IBS.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): A condition where excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine.
- Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid issues or hormone imbalances: Including hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Mental health factors: Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate gut symptoms.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A bacterial infection that can cause symptoms like aching or burning pain in the stomach, especially when the stomach is empty.
Steps towards clarity
If you've been diagnosed with IBS but symptoms persist, consider:
- Working with a healthcare provider who takes a holistic view of your health history and lifestyle.
- Exploring functional medicine options to uncover food intolerances or nutrients deficiencies.
- Testing for SIBO, coeliac disease and thyroid disorders.
- Addressing stress through mindfulness, talk therapy or low-impact exercise.
Herbal support for digestion
Certain herbs are known to support digestive health and may be helpful for managing digestive discomfort.
- Peppermint: Known to relax gastrointestinal muscles, which can relieve symptoms such as bloating and cramping.
- Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation and soothe the stomach.
- Chamomile: Calms the digestive system and may reduce stress-induced symptoms.
- Kawakawa: A New Zealand native herb traditionally used by the Māori people for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Fennel: Known to relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion
IBS is a real condition that affects many, but it's often used as a blanket diagnosis. If your digestive discomfort isn’t improving with conventional treatments, explore other root causes. Don’t settle for a label—dig deeper into your gut health with the support of informed, holistic care.