Overview

IBS, though, is said to affect the intestine; it does not cause changes structurally, it’s considered a functional disorder. There are subtypes based on the nature of stool elimination; these are   

IBS-CConstipation-predominant

IBS-DDiarrhea-predominant

IBS-MMixed (alternating constipation and diarrhoea). With a change of lifestyle, diet and managing stress levels, one can overcome it.

Causes

It can be said as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder or a disorder of the gut-brain interaction.

• Abnormal gut motility

• Visceral hypersensitivity 

• Brain–gut dysfunction 

• Stress and mental health issues 

• Infections or gut inflammation 

• Changes in gut microbiome

• Dietary triggers: Certain foods (like fatty meals, caffeine, alcohol, and some carbohydrates)- Celiac disease

• Hormonal fluctuations

Symptoms

• Fever

• Anorexia                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Unintentional weight loss

• Iron deficiency anaemia

• Improper bowel evacuation

• Rectal bleeding or pain

• Lymphadenopathy

• Steatorrhea

• Avoiding gluten or dairy-rich products 

Ayurvedic View

Grahani - due to following of nidanas(causes), like consumption of virudha ahara( incompatible food),adhyashana(having food before digestion of previous food)etc, leads to agni mandhya(low digestion or metabolism)leads to prakopa(aggravation)of kapha dosha when person consumes guru(heavy),abhisyandi ahara(food that which blocks channel), this saama kapha (toxic causing ) reaches grahani(duodenum-that which is responsible for metabolism and absorption) and blocks normal functioning of grahani,samana vayu,apana vayu,pachaka pitta (all responsible for food digestion and absorption) leading to not having capacity to digest heavy food, there is change in bowel movements sometimes constipation and sometimes diarrhoea with abdominal pain, discomfort, this is irritable bowel syndrome. Ayurveda's way of approach is to correct agni(metabolism) of jatara agni and dhatuva agni, bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state-place, quality and normal functioning), improve proper functioning of grahani by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and internal medication.