Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that involves abnormal contractions in the large intestine that lead to irregular bowel movements, pain, diarrhea, and sometimes constipation. Some patients find that they have certain triggers, while others are unable to find any connections. Let’s take a look at the common IBS symptoms, the effects of IBS during pregnancy, and some IBS flare-up complications.
IBS Symptoms
IBS symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but tend to include the following:
Abdominal pain and cramping before and during a bowel movement
Persistent diarrhea, in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS
Persistent constipation, in patients with constipation-predominant IBS
Excess gas and bloating of the abdomen
Ability to directly correlate certain foods or beverages as triggers for symptoms
Complications of IBS During Pregnancy
Dehydration
Irritable Bowel Syndrome tends to affect some patients differently than others. Those with chronic diarrhea may be at higher risk of dehydration, a dangerous place to be in while pregnant. Due to dehydration, IBS during pregnancy can lead to decreased amniotic fluids, urinary tract infections, Braxton Hicks contractions, and even preterm labor.
Preterm Labor
The scariest complication of IBS during pregnancy is preterm labor. Dehydration, combined with irregular bowel contractions around the uterus, can lead to Braxton Hicks and true contractions that may - in rare cases - trigger labor. If you struggle with IBS, make sure your OBGYN is aware of your diagnosis.
General IBS Flare-Up Complications
Misdiagnosis
If you have not seen a professional colorectal doctor for your bowel issues, you run the risk of missing something much more serious. What may look like IBS symptoms to you may, in reality, point to a more serious condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, colon cancer, celiac disease, diverticulitis, or even a giardia infection. IBS is a condition that is diagnosed based on ruling out these other conditions. In order to be certain you do not have something more serious, you should visit your local colorectal specialist.
Poor Quality of Life
If you do, in fact, have IBS, forgoing treatment can cause a few different problems. Above all, IBS can interfere with and decrease your quality of life. IBS makes it difficult to perform daily tasks outside of the home, where access to a bathroom is uncertain. Many IBS patients call out of work regularly due to flare-ups.
Anxiety and Depression
For the reasons mentioned above, we often refer our IBS patients to outside sources for mood disruption. The anxiety that surrounds the insecurity of leaving the house can multiply and become chronic, affecting all areas of a patient’s life. Unfortunately, increased anxiety can also further worsen a patient’s IBS symptoms.
Recurring Hemorrhoids
The straining and increased sitting at the toilet that comes with IBS can make patients more likely to develop hemorrhoids - again and again. This is an unfortunate side effect of regular straining that can be reduced, to a point; however, when a patient’s IBS flares up, there’s little they can do to avoid painful, burning, itching hemorrhoids. If you regularly deal with this condition, keep an eye out for hemorrhoid complications.
IBS Diagnosis and Treatment in Tampa Bay
Management of IBS generally requires avoidance of triggers, drinking plenty of fluids, and reducing daily anxiety. Your colorectal specialist will probably recommend that you attempt the FODMAP diet and keep a food diary, keeping track of your IBS symptoms. If you do not yet have a diagnosis, start by contacting a colorectal specialist at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay; we can help you rule out more serious conditions to put your mind at ease.