IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Understanding Its Types and Treatment

By Dr. Karan R. Rawat, Gastroenterologist – Safe Gastro & Surgery Center, Agra

Many patients visit the clinic with ongoing stomach problems—bloating, pain, irregular motions—yet all reports come back “normal.” In most such cases, the diagnosis turns out to be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

IBS is common, often confusing, and frequently misunderstood. At Safe Gastro & Surgery Center, Agra, Dr. Karan R. Rawat manages IBS not just as a digestive problem, but as a condition that affects a person’s daily comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

What Exactly Is IBS?

IBS is a functional disorder of the intestine, which means the gut looks normal on scans and tests, but it does not function normally. The intestine becomes overly sensitive and reacts abnormally to food, stress, and routine digestion.

Patients with IBS often say:

  • “My stomach hurts, but doctors say nothing is wrong”

  • “Sometimes I’m constipated, sometimes I have loose motions”

  • “My symptoms worsen when I’m stressed or anxious”

All of these are classic features of IBS.

Why IBS Is Becoming More Common

In Dr. Karan R. Rawat’s clinical experience, IBS cases are increasing steadily in Agra and surrounding regions due to:

  • Irregular meals and late-night eating

  • Excess spicy, oily, and packaged food

  • Chronic stress and poor sleep

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Repeated use of antibiotics and painkillers

Modern lifestyle plays a major role in disturbing the gut–brain connection.

Different Types (Varieties) of IBS

IBS is not the same for every patient. Treatment depends heavily on the type of IBS, which is determined by bowel pattern.

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C)

This type is seen in patients who struggle with:

  • Hard stools

  • Infrequent bowel movements

  • Excessive straining

  • Bloating and heaviness

Many patients rely on laxatives for years without proper evaluation. Dr. Rawat focuses on correcting gut movement rather than creating laxative dependence.

IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

Patients experience:

  • Frequent loose motions

  • Urgency after meals

  • Abdominal cramps

  • Anxiety about travelling or eating outside

Before diagnosing IBS-D, it is essential to rule out infections, colitis, lactose intolerance, and other causes—something that is often missed in casual treatment.

Mixed IBS (IBS-M)

In this form:

  • Constipation and diarrhea alternate

  • Symptoms are unpredictable

  • Bloating and pain are prominent

IBS-M requires careful, individualized treatment and close follow-up.

Unclassified IBS (IBS-U)

Some patients do not fit neatly into any category. Their symptoms keep changing and need ongoing assessment rather than fixed prescriptions.

Common Symptoms Across All Types of IBS

  • Recurrent abdominal pain

  • Bloating and gas

  • Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation

  • Mucus in stool

  • Symptoms worsening during stress

Importantly, IBS symptoms often improve after passing stool.

IBS vs Serious Intestinal Diseases

One of the biggest fears among patients is whether IBS is dangerous.

Clear medical facts:

  • IBS does not cause cancer

  • IBS does not damage the intestine

  • IBS does not cause bleeding or anemia

However, warning signs like blood in stool, weight loss, night symptoms, or persistent fever must always be evaluated properly.

How IBS Is Diagnosed

IBS is diagnosed after ruling out other conditions. At Safe Gastro & Surgery Center, diagnosis may involve:

  • Detailed history and symptom pattern analysis

  • Blood and stool tests

  • Ultrasound or endoscopy when required

  • Colonoscopy in selected cases

Unnecessary tests are avoided, but important conditions are never missed.

IBS Treatment Approach by Dr. Karan R. Rawat

There is no single medicine that cures IBS. Treatment works best when it is tailored to the individual.

Management includes:

  • Dietary correction rather than extreme food restrictions

  • Medicines to regulate bowel movement and gut sensitivity

  • Probiotics when needed

  • Addressing stress and sleep issues

  • Avoiding long-term misuse of laxatives and antidiarrheals

Dr. Rawat places special emphasis on the gut–brain relationship, which is central to IBS control.

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

  • Symptoms lasting more than a few weeks

  • IBS affecting work, travel, or sleep

  • Poor response to home remedies

  • Confusion between IBS and piles, fissure, colitis, or infection

Early and correct diagnosis prevents years of unnecessary suffering.

Final Thoughts

IBS may not be a life-threatening disease, but it can quietly disrupt everyday life if ignored or mistreated. With proper understanding, reassurance, and medical guidance, IBS can be controlled effectively.

For expert evaluation and ethical treatment of IBS and other digestive disorders, consult
Dr. Karan R. Rawat
Gastroenterologist & GI Surgeon
Safe Gastro & Surgery Center, Church Road, Agra

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