IBS is not considered to be a life-threatening illness, but it is a debilitating condition that can severely impact a person's quality of life. IBS is best understood as a recurring gastrointestinal disturbance, impairing the motor function and sensation of the gut and bowel. Highly prevalent among the adult population, IBS is second only to the common cold as the main cause of work absenteeism.

Digestive System

For people with IBS, food does not pass through the digestive system properly due to disrupted signals between the gut and the brain. These disrupted signals cause food to move too quickly (diarrhoea) or too slowly (constipation) through the digestive system. For those who suffer frequent diarrhoea, water from the food is not absorbed. For those who suffer constipation, too much water is absorbed, making it difficult to pass stool. In some cases, bile acid malabsorption can cause IBS.

Psychological Factors

There are psychological factors that can contribute towards IBS. Feelings of stress and anxiety can trigger chemical changes that hinder the digestive system. Research has found that some people with IBS may have had a traumatic experience in the past to make them more susceptible to stress and the symptoms associated with it.

 

IBD can presents itself in two different forms; Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn's Disease

Those with Crohn’s Disease suffer from inflammation that goes deep into the layers of the digestive tract lining. The area of digestive tract that becomes inflamed can differ from person to person, however, the most commonly affected areas are the large intestine (colon) or the last section of the small intestine (ileum).

The common symptoms include; diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and rapid weight loss. However, there can be more serious symptoms such as; high fever, arthritis, painful or swollen skin, and ulcers in the mouth.

If left untreated, Crohn’s can be extremely painful and debilitating. Symptoms come and go, and some people may experience no symptoms at all (remission) for a few months before the disease flares up again. Although there is no cure, there are steps that can be taken to control it in order to live a normal life.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term chronic condition that is recognized under inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) category. Ulcerative colitis is when the rectum and colon become inflamed, leading to small ulcers in lining of the colon and evidenced by blood and pus when passing stool.