More and more people are affected by this invisible illness that is still poorly diagnosed. We'll take stock with you!
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or functional colopathy , is a common disorder, considered a disease that results in abdominal pain, bloating, transit disorders and flatulence.
The number of people affected by irritable bowel syndrome is steadily increasing worldwide. Today, it affects between 10 and 20% of Western populations, particularly women. In France alone, more than 9 million people are estimated to suffer from functional bowel disorders.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Invisible and Very Misdiagnosed Illness
Unfortunately, it is an invisible illness that is still very poorly diagnosed. In fact, today, 2 out of 3 people with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are not heard by their doctor: - "It's in your head" . Why? Because this syndrome is difficult to identify. On examination, the patient born shows no abnormalities in blood tests, colonoscopy, or radiological examinations… The tests are all normal! Result for the doctors: “You have nothing!” A diagnosis that is difficult to accept when you suffer every day from symptoms that have real repercussions on your daily life. Irritable bowel syndrome is still taboo and can lead to a feeling of isolation due to the lack of understanding of those around you.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
Most often, the disease begins gradually without any triggering factor. However , in 20% of cases, the disease follows an event such as severe gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or episodes of significant stress. The mechanisms of irritable bowel syndrome are multiple and far from being the same in all patients.
We mainly find:
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Dysbiosis in 2/3 of patients , i.e. an imbalance of the intestinal flora
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Hypermeability of the intestinal wall
- Hypersensitivity in 2/3 of patients, i.e. the abnormal and/or painful perception of phenomena which go unnoticed in “healthy” people
- A digestive tract motility disorder manifested by insufficient or excessive digestive contractions, often linked to a dysfunction of the enteric nervous system (that of the intestines: the wall of our digestive tract is made up of more than 100 million neurons).
What treatments in case of irritable bowel syndrome ?
Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment to cure irritable bowel syndrome, but it is possible to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms.
1 - Relieve irritable bowel syndrome with a low FODMAP diet
A low FODMAP diet has been shown to be effective in 70% of patients . These are types of carbohydrates found in certain foods such as cow's milk, wheat, mushrooms, garlic and onions. In the case of IBS, it is better to avoid them and favor foods low in FODMAPs such as potatoes, eggs, tofu or even fish, chicken, pineapple or oranges.
2 - Calm your IBS by eliminating lactose and gluten
Many patients are intolerant to lactose and/or gluten, which are more difficult foods to tolerate. Be careful, gluten and/or lactose intolerance can be an isolated disorder; you can have hypersensitive intestines and not have irritable bowel syndrome .
