Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What it is

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder in which the bowel becomes more sensitive and its movements irregular, causing recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two, along with bloating and gas. It does not cause damage to the bowel, but it significantly affects quality of life and is about twice as common in women, worsening during menstruation and under stress. At Femi Saúde, the coloproctology team makes the diagnosis using clinical criteria, rules out conditions with a similar presentation, and builds an individualized treatment that combines dietary adjustments, medication, stress management and, when indicated, support from nutrition and psychology.

Most common symptoms

• Recurrent abdominal pain or cramping
• Pain that eases or worsens after a bowel movement
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
• Bloating and excess gas
• Mucus in the stool
• A feeling of incomplete emptying
• Worsening during menstruation or under stress

Causes and risk factors

• Visceral hypersensitivity of the bowel
• Altered bowel motility
• An imbalance of the gut microbiota
• Previous intestinal infections
• Stress, anxiety and the gut-brain axis
• Sensitivity to certain foods

How it is diagnosed

The diagnosis is clinical, based on the Rome criteria: recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in stool frequency or form, present for at least six months. The coloproctologist carefully evaluates the history and rules out warning signs, such as bleeding, anemia, weight loss, fever, nighttime symptoms or onset after age 45. Blood tests, stool tests and screening for celiac disease and intolerances are requested as needed, and colonoscopy is indicated when there are warning signs or a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Treatment is individualized and adjusted to the predominant subtype. It includes dietary guidance, often a temporary, supervised low-FODMAP diet, soluble fiber, regular meal times and physical activity. Medications for pain, diarrhea or constipation, along with probiotics, are used according to symptoms. Since stress and anxiety affect the bowel, stress management techniques and psychotherapy provide real benefit. Throughout treatment, the coloproctology team at Femi Saúde monitors progress, adjusts the plan, and works together with the clinic's nutrition and psychology services.

What we offer