“IBS is a disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract,” says Annemarie van der Spek, MDL nurse specialist at Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland. “The result is regular abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea.”
Van der Spek says that these complaints sometimes disappear after patients have been to the toilet. However, she thinks it is important to go to the doctor with these complaints to rule out alarm symptoms such as weight loss or blood in the stool.
The nursing specialist explains that an irritable bowel does not always have an identifiable cause. The condition is twice as common in women than in men. And according to the Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation, heredity probably plays a role.
Stress has a big influence
“It can arise after a serious stomach flu or another bacterial infection,” says Van der Spek. “The infection can damage the intestinal wall. The imbalance between good and bad intestinal bacteria may have something to do with it. Research into the composition of the bacteria in the intestines may reveal this.”
Certain foods such as sharp spices and possibly coffee or carbonated drinks can exacerbate the symptoms.
Stress is not a primary cause, but it does have a major influence on the development of IBS. For example, the nurse specialist explains that tensions often cause more abdominal pain.
“Certain foods can also exacerbate the complaints,” says Van der Spek. “Such as sharp spices and possibly coffee or carbonated drinks. That is why a healthy and varied diet is important. A dietitian can provide support with a special diet.”
There are different treatments
There are several treatments for an irritable bowel. It differs per patient which treatment helps best. “For example, there is medication to relax the intestines or to regulate the stool pattern,” says the nurse specialist.
“The former reduces cramps and the abdomen is less swollen. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, relaxation therapy or hypnotherapy also give good results.”
Changes can be a reason
Hypnotherapy can reduce IBS complaints or even make them disappear. Research shows that one in three people experience lasting relief from complaints, says hypnotherapist Mariska Bruinenberg.
It is very stressful if you have to be preoccupied with where a toilet is.
The intestines mainly respond to emotions, but also to changes. “Everyone experiences stomach ache, diarrhea or constipation at some point during a stressful event such as a presentation,” says Bruinenberg.
Especially on vacation
“Or if you go on vacation, for example,” continues Bruinenberg. “People with IBS have this every day. As a result, they can be stressed, gloomy or irritable more quickly.”
Relaxation therefore has a positive effect on intestinal function. And in addition to healthy and fiber-rich food, sufficient exercise can also provide relief, reports Thuisarts.nl.
“Abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea or constipation can negatively affect quality of life,” says Van der Spek. “It differs per person to what extent this is the case.”
The hypnotherapist also hears this more often in her consulting room. “It’s very stressful when you have to be preoccupied with where a toilet is,” she says. “As a result, people often stay at home and become isolated.”
