Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialists in Jhowtala, Kolkata, West Bengal

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, characterised by a cluster of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits without any identifiable structural or biochemical abnormality on standard testing. It is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the gut appears structurally normal but does not function properly, likely due to abnormal gut-brain signalling, altered gut motility, and heightened sensitivity to normal digestive processes. Symptoms can vary considerably between individuals and may be predominantly diarrhoea, predominantly constipation, or a mix of both, often fluctuating over time. While irritable bowel syndrome does not increase the risk of more serious conditions such as colon cancer, it can significantly affect quality of life due to its chronic and often unpredictable nature. Management focuses on identifying individual triggers and combining dietary, lifestyle, and medication strategies to control symptoms.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact cause is not fully understood, but contributing factors include abnormal gut motility, heightened sensitivity of the intestines to normal digestive stimuli, disruption of the gut-brain communication axis, and imbalances in gut bacteria. Psychological stress and anxiety are strongly associated with symptom flares, though they are not considered the sole cause. A history of gastrointestinal infection, certain food intolerances, and hormonal changes can also trigger or worsen symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abdominal pain or cramping often relieved by passing stool, bloating, altered bowel habits including diarrhoea, constipation, or both, excess gas, mucus in stool, urgency to have a bowel movement, feeling of incomplete evacuation, symptoms that worsen with stress or certain foods

Treatment & Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Jhowtala, Kolkata, West Bengal

Treatment is individualised and includes dietary modification, such as a low-FODMAP diet to identify and reduce trigger foods, along with adequate fibre and fluid intake tailored to the predominant symptom pattern. Medications may include antispasmodics for pain, laxatives or antidiarrhoeal agents depending on bowel habit, and certain antidepressants at low doses to help modulate gut-brain signalling. Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and in some cases psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can meaningfully reduce symptom frequency and severity.

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