Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects millions but it’s often dismissed as period pain – here’s how to spot the signs of IBS
FEELING bloated, uncomfortable and breathing heavily as stomach cramps strike?
The symptoms will sound familiar to all women, as those that come at that time of the month.
But while you might be tempted to put it all down to your period, there is another culprit waiting in the wings.
Though commonly dismissed as nothing more than "women's troubles" - or even wind - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can prove life-changing.
It can be agonising, causing frequent tummy discomfort, bloating, constipation as well as bouts of diarrhoea.
The condition affects about 25 per cent of people in the UK.
Yet, the fact remains that people are reluctant to talk about what happens in the confines of the bathroom, while on the toilet.
Three quarters of IBS sufferers say it's a "debilitating" condition that affects their everyday life.
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And four in ten people say they regularly take time off work because they are so unwell, according to new research from ASDA.
But about 60 per cent of those surveyed said they had not sought medical help because they were too embarrassed.
Worryingly, the condition is often be dismissed as "women's troubles", according to the head of the IBS Network.
Alison Reid, who has teamed up with ASDA to challenge the "poo taboo", said: "Because everyone’s IBS symptoms are individual to them it can be easy for people to dismiss them as something else, typically period pain or flatulence.
"As a rule, don’t be too hasty in dismissing IBS symptoms as ‘women’s troubles’.
"IBS is a serious and debilitating condition affecting both men and women.
"Symptoms are no less real just because they aren’t always visible.
"Although the symptoms of IBS can wax and wane, period pain is generally confined to specific points during the menstrual cycle and are reproducible."
As a rule, don’t be too hasty in dismissing IBS symptoms as ‘women’s troubles’ – IBS is a serious and debilitating condition affecting both men and women
Alison Reid
That was the case for 32-year-old Rachel Taylor, who originally mistook her IBS for bad period pain.
Rachel began to suffer the tell-tale signs when she was just 14 but, like many people, at first she just thought she had eaten something that didn't agree with her.
Gradually over time her symptoms became more and more frequent.
After getting to the point of being unable to eat properly, Rachel sought help.
But it would take eight years before she got a diagnosis.
At first she sought help from a gynaecologist because it was thought she was suffering bad period pains.
Meanwhile, she continued on with her life as normal until.
But going to work was becoming difficult and, at its worst, Rachel was dashing to the toilet about 15 times before she even left for work in the morning.
Rachel suffered social anxiety and constantly worried about needing the toilet when she was out with colleagues or friends.
She often took up to four or five Imodium tablets - diarrhoea medication - to get through the day.
After her symptoms did not subside, Rachel was referred for a colonoscopy as doctors thought she had Crohn's disease - a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive system.
But the results came back negative and eventually doctors told her she had IBS.
Rachel has since retrained as a nutritionist and reflexologist and has learned to control her symptoms through her diet.
She now works with other IBS patients to help them regain control of their life.
HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF IBS...
Most people have flare-ups of symptoms that last a few days but after this time, the symptoms usually improve, according to the NHS.
But they may not disappear completely.
In some people an attack can be triggered by something they have eaten or drunk, so the symptoms can be controlled by diet.
What are the key symptoms?
The most common signs a person suffering IBS can experience are:
- stomach pain and cramping, which may be relieved by having a poo
- a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation, or sometimes both
- bloating and swelling of your stomach
- excessive wind
- occasionally experiencing an urgent need to go to the toilet
- a feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- passing mucus from your bottom
IBS can also lead to other complications such as a lack of energy, feeling sick or nauseous, pain during sex and social anxiety and depression.
Alison added: "The condition can mean feelings of isolation through an inability to leave the house for fear of an accident, cancelled holidays, and days off work.
"The stress caused by the distress of these symptoms, worry of losing job, the humiliation of an accident, can make the condition worse; which creates a vicious circle.
"Our members have reported that talking openly about their condition with people who understand really helps them break this cycle supporting them in taking control of their IBS.
"Through our work, the charity is challenging the ‘poo taboo’."
The exact cause of IBS is not known, but many experts believe it is related to an increased sensitivity of the gut.
What treatment is available?
As there is no known cause, there is no cure for IBS.
But the symptoms can be managed by changing your diet and lifestyle, and understanding the nature of the condition.
In some cases, medication or psychological treatments may also be helpful.
People with IBS are advised to cut down on the fibre found in wholegrain, cereals, nuts and seeds if they frequently suffer diarrhoea but keep up good levels of fruit, vegetables and oats, according to the NHS.
If you have constipation, upping your increase of fibre can help.
The NHS also recommends you drink plenty of water to keep stools loose or avoid dehydration.
Other tips include:
- having regular meals and taking your time when eating
- not missing meals or leaving long gaps between eating
- restricting your tea and coffee intake to a maximum of three cups a day
- reducing the amount of alcohol and fizzy drinks you drink
- if you have wind and bloating, it may help to eat oats
- if you have diarrhoea, avoiding sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free sweets, including chewing gum and drinks, and in some diabetic and slimming products
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