Service
Irritable bowel syndrome
- Section
- Services
- Specialist
- Op. Dr. Dilara Hasanova
- Clinic
- Modern Hospital, Baku
- The doctor's practice — examinations and treatments Dr. Hasanova performs herself
- General information — educational text about diseases and methods
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Short answer
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder marked by recurring abdominal pain, bloating and a change in bowel habits, without any structural damage to the bowel. The pain is usually related to bowel movements. It can occur with constipation, with diarrhea or in a mixed form. Stress can make the symptoms worse.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain that recurs on average at least 1 day a week over the last 3 months; it may ease or change after a bowel movement
- Bloating, gas
- Constipation, diarrhea or alternation between the two
- Mucus in the stool, a feeling of incomplete emptying
How is it diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed on the basis of typical symptoms (the Rome IV criteria). The doctor assesses the symptoms and, when needed, orders blood and stool tests, stool calprotectin and colonoscopy. Additional examination is essential if any of the following signs are present: blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, pain or diarrhea that wakes you at night, symptoms that start after age 40–45, or a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.
Treatment
General information
- Individual adjustment of the diet. Soluble fiber (for example, psyllium) is often better tolerated. A low-FODMAP diet can also be tried under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.
- Stress management, sleep routine, physical activity
- Medications chosen according to the symptoms (antispasmodics, medicines for constipation or diarrhea)
- In some cases, probiotics; the strain and duration are chosen together with the doctor
The doctor's practice
Examinations and treatments Dr. Hasanova performs herself
In patients with functional bowel symptoms, Dr. Hasanova rules out proctological causes (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, rectocele) and provides conservative treatment. For patients with “spastic colitis” and constipation, a 1-month course of treatment is usually prescribed, and the result is assessed at a follow-up visit. When needed, she refers the patient to a gastroenterologist.