For a large group of people, these problems are caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
For many, it begins with a stomach that often feels knotted.
Bloating, pain, and alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation can become a regular part of everyday life.
According to Thorbjørn Sommer, a specialist in gastrointestinal surgery, this is a typical picture for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
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What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a functional disorder of the digestive system.
This means that the intestines do not function normally, even though tests and scans do not show any disease.
The condition is not dangerous, but the symptoms can be long-lasting and affect both work and social activities.
How the diagnosis is made
When you visit a doctor with stomach problems, the first step is to rule out other conditions.
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The doctor will typically ask about abdominal pain, bowel habits, and how long the symptoms have been present.
The Rome criteria are used to make the diagnosis, basing the assessment on the patient’s symptoms and how long they have been present.
Thorbjørn Sommer explains that these criteria have made it easier to reach a more reliable diagnosis, even though there is still no test that can directly confirm the condition.
What can help you?
There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, but many people are able to relieve their symptoms.
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Dietary changes, regular meals, exercise, and good sleep often make a significant difference.
Some people experience fewer symptoms by following diets such as low FODMAP, but Thorbjørn Sommer also explains to iForm that the effect varies from person to person.
At the same time, new forms of treatment, such as fecal transplantation, are being researched, but it is still unclear whether they are effective against IBS.
Sources: IForm.dk, and Privathospitalet Mølholm.
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