Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the digestive tract that affects millions of people globally. While it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines, it can significantly affect your quality of life. From bloating and abdominal pain to unpredictable bowel habits, IBS can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even disabling in severe cases.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into this chronic digestive tract disorder – Irritable bowel syndrome, its symptoms and causes, who is at risk, and how it’s diagnosed. We will further try to understand the root of IBS and where to find the Best Doctor for IBS Treatment for itslong-term management.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a chronic digestive system problem that affects the large intestine (colon). It falls under the category of functional gastrointestinal disorders, meaning it alters how the digestive system functions without showing visible structural abnormalities on standard tests.

Unlike other digestive diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation or permanent damage to the intestinal lining. However, the symptoms can be just as severe and disruptive.

Types of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is classified based on bowel habits with characteristic IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and heaviness. Most IBS patents are found to have mixed bowel habits, which often alternate between diarrhoea and constipation.

Understanding the core of irritable bowel syndrome’s symptoms and causes is crucial for early recognition and treatment.

• IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant): Frequent loose stools, urgency, and abdominal discomfort.
• IBS-C (Constipation-predominant): Hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, and straining.
• IBS-M (Mixed type): Alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
• IBS-U (Unclassified): Symptoms don’t fit clearly into the main categories but still impact daily life.

Understanding these types helps identify triggers early and choose the right treatment approach. Complementary and alternative medicines, like homeopathic medicines for irritable bowel syndrome, helps address these conditions and the unique set of symptoms pertaining to each type.

Common Symptoms of IBS

The hallmark symptoms of IBS vary among individuals but typically include:

Get a clearer understanding of your IBS treatment scope; consult our Homeopathic doctor.

What Causes IBS?

Understanding IBS causes is equally important to improve symptoms and offer long-lasting results to IBS sufferers. The exact cause of IBS is still not entirely clear. However, a combination of the following factors is thought to contribute:

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop IBS, but it’s more common in:

• Young adults, especially those under 50
• Women (twice as likely as men)
• Individuals with a family history of IBS
• People with a history of mental health disorders
• Those who’ve had intestinal infections.

Also Read: Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide

How Is IBS Diagnosed?

There’s no specific test to confirm IBS. Diagnosis is often made based on Rome IV criteria, which include:

• Abdominal pain at least one day per week in the last 3 months
• Pain associated with at least two of the following:
• Related to defecation
• Change in stool frequency
• Change in stool appearance

Doctors may also perform tests (like colonoscopy, stool tests, or blood work) to rule out other conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

Also Read: IBS Diet Guide: Foods to Eat for Better Digestive Health

Triggers That Worsen IBS Symptoms

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is a crucial part of IBS management. Common triggers include:

• High-fat or fried foods
• Dairy products
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Stressful events
• Hormonal changes (especially in women)

Avoiding trigger foods and habits or exposures, like emotional abuse or self-inflicting stress, help patient achieve long-term relief.

Treatment Options for IBS

Although it is considered that there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, alternative systems of treatment, like homeopathy, have been reported to offer promising results. Yes, conventional systems have some really great options – medicines to tackle the symptoms, but the effects are generally short-lived. Therefore, the patients are often left with no option other than continuing medications for their lifetime or whenever the condition returns.

Moreover, psychological factors, like acute or chronic stress, can also trigger the symptoms, which need a holistic treatment option. Thankfully, homeopathy checks most of these boxes. Getting your homeopathic treatment for IBS from a qualified homeopathic doctor, along with the diet and lifestyle management, can help offer sustained relief from the condition.

Common Homeopathic Remedies to Manage IBS Symptoms

Here are five commonly used homeopathic remedies for IBS, each with a simple one-line description:

• Nux Vomica: This potent homeopathic remedy is for IBS patients with stress-induced symptoms, irritability, and irregular eating habits.
• Lycopodium: Useful for the most common IBS symptoms, like bloating, gas, and discomfort that worsens toward evening.
• Colocynthis: This remedy is often given to patients with sharp abdominal cramps relieved by pressure or bending forward.
• Argentum Nitricum: A potent homeopathic remedy that helps support patients with IBS symptoms, like anxiety-driven digestive upsets and sudden urges.
• Podophyllum: Often helpful in managing watery stools and bowel irregularities triggered by food.

Disclaimer: Consult a qualified homeopathic doctor; avoid self-medication.

Can IBS Be Prevented?

While you can’t completely prevent IBS, adopting healthy habits can reduce your risk and control flare-ups:

• Eat smaller, regular meals
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress proactively
• Avoid late-night eating
• Exercise regularly

When to See a Doctor

Although IBS is not life-threatening, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious issue. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent pain unrelieved by passing stool
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Family history of colon cancer or IBD

How Dr. Vikas Singhal Can Help

At Dr. Singhal Homeo, Chandigarh, the renowned classical homeopathy practitioner – Dr. Vikas Singhal, provides holistic treatment for IBS.

He follows the classical healing principles of homeopathy to individualize a patient and provides highly personalized, carefully selected homeopathic medicines for the problem. His treatment is aimed at root-cause treatment and holistic healing, making him one of the best doctors for IBS treatment in India.

Moreover, he is also trusted by hundreds of offshore patients. Currently, Dr. Vikas Singhal has patients from 73 different countries, including different parts of India, which shows the effectiveness of his treatment and patient satisfaction.

Here is what makes him ideal for IBS treatment:

• 23 years of experience and expertise in chronic health conditions, like IBS, make him one of the best.
• Dr. Vikas Singhal and his team keep taking feedback to track the progress in the patient’s condition.
• If required medicines and doses are adjusted accordingly, without the patient having to undergo a lengthy process of repeated consultations.
• Offline and online consultation options are available for people who cannot visit the clinic for any reason.
• You can request the delivery of your medicine to your doorstep.

Living with IBS: A Balanced Perspective

Living with irritable bowel syndrome may feel overwhelming at times, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Knowledge is power—understanding your body, triggers, and treatment options can empower you to take back control of your health.

Don’t ignore your gut feelings—literally. If something feels off, consult a healthcare professional who understands IBS and can guide you through a tailored management plan.

Also Read: Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Holistic Approach with Diet, Lifestyle, and Medicines

Final Thoughts

IBS doesn’t have to control your life. While there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, understanding the symptoms and causes of irritable bowel syndrome is the first step toward relief.

Whether you’re seeking dietary advice, stress management techniques, or medication support, know that help is available—and effective. By making small but consistent lifestyle changes, many people with IBS live full, symptom-controlled lives.

You can also consider homeopathy for sustained relief from irritable bowel syndrome. Committed homeopathic experts, like Dr. Vikas Singhal, are there to help so you can leave the worries about your health aside and start living to the fullest.

Interested? Or want to learn about the scope of your IBS treatment in the homeopathic system? Feel free to call or WhatsApp us at +91 9056551747.

Learn which medicines work for you; get a personalized consultation with Dr. Vikas Singhal.