IBS is a chronic and incurable digestive disorder that affects how the gut and brain communicate. This communication is dysregulated, causing a person's gut to misinterpret the normal digestive process as pain.
"The hallmark symptom for patients with IBS is having a hypersensitive gut that leads to recurrent episodes of abdominal pain or discomfort. This pain is often associated with changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation," says Dr. Colleen Parker, a
gastroenterologist at UHN in Toronto, Ontario.
Myth: IBS is a psychological disorder that's 'all in your head'
Truth: IBS is a legitimate disorder with physical symptoms
IBS does not present with any visible, physical signs or with laboratory abnormalities, however, symptoms occur because it disrupts normal body function.
Understanding that IBS is not just psychological helps dispel the stigma that can prevent individuals from getting the proper diagnosis and treatment they need.
"It's definitely not all in somebody's head. There really are changes that are happening within the body that correspond with symptoms people have," says Dr. Parker.
Myth: Everyone with IBS experiences the same symptoms
Truth: IBS symptoms and triggers can vary and fluctuate from person to person
The most telling symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, says Dr. Parker, but people can experience a wide range of effects, including:
- Bloating and excess gas
- Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between both
- Changes in bowel habits, such as the frequency of bowel movements
- Changes in stool, including in appearance
"Most people are surprised to know that patients with IBS can also have relatively normal bowel movements, but still experience the pain component," says Dr. Parker.
While it's not a life-threatening condition, IBS symptoms and its chronic nature can significantly impact a person's day-to-day activities and quality of life.
"We know IBS is one of the most expensive conditions in terms of economic impact because of the way patients miss school, miss work and feel like they have to put their lives on hold because they're in so much pain," says Dr. Parker.
Myth: IBS is caused by a single issue, such as poor diet or stress
Truth: IBS causes are complex
There can be a combination of factors that contribute to the development of IBS in a patient.
Risk factors include having:
- Gut sensitivity
- Microbiome imbalances
- History of gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections
- Chronic stress
- Family history of IBS or other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions
Myth: IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are the same conditions
Truth: Though both are chronic conditions affecting the GI tract, symptoms vary
IBS is diagnosed mainly by symptoms. Patients typically do not show signs of damage or abnormalities in tests, such as blood work, scans or colonoscopies.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are diagnosed when tests show visible inflammation or damage in a patient's gut, such as ulcers or swelling found during a colonoscopy.
"Inflammatory bowel disease is a visible inflammation problem, whereas irritable bowel syndrome is more of a sensory and a nerve problem," says Dr. Parker.
Myth: IBS affects men and women the same
Truth: Women are more likely to be affected by IBS, but men should take symptoms seriously
Data indicates that women are diagnosed with IBS about twice as often as men.
"Often women feel more comfortable seeing doctors, and there is some evidence that female hormones might impact gut function," says Dr. Parker.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of IBS should contact a physician to discuss options.
Myth: IBS is incurable, so nothing can help
Truth: There are multiple strategies to reduce the effect of symptoms
Treatment options for IBS include medications, lifestyle changes, dietary management and psychological therapy.
Getting regular exercise and adequate sleep can also help manage symptoms.
"We can't cure IBS, but there are a lot of options that can improve and reduce symptom burden, allowing patients to get back to doing the things in life that are important to them," says Dr. Parker.
She recommends personalized and multi-disciplinary treatment plans for patients with IBS.
"Following an IBS diagnosis, our goal is to reduce how often symptoms are happening and how severe they are when they do happen," says Dr. Parker.
Openly discussing symptoms with a health care provider is important to finding the most effective treatment.
When to seek help for irritable bowel syndrome
