IBS is a "functional" gastrointestinal disorder, meaning there's a problem with how the gut works, rather than a structural abnormality. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve a complex interplay of factors including abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine, hypersensitivity of nerves in the gut, altered gut-brain communication, and changes in gut microbiota. Stress and certain foods often trigger or worsen symptoms.

In Bangladesh,

IBS is a significant health concern.

Studies have indicated varying prevalence rates, with some research showing it affects approximately 7.2% of the general population (7.8% in urban and 6.5% in rural areas), and even higher among specific demographics like university students (up to 39.3%).

This underscores the widespread impact of IBS in the country.

The symptoms of IBS can vary widely among individuals and often fluctuate in severity.

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain or cramping: This is often the most prominent symptom, usually relieved after a bowel movement.

Bloating and gas: A feeling of fullness and uncomfortable swelling in the abdomen.

Changes in bowel habits:

Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D): Frequent loose stools, urgency, and sometimes incontinence.

Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C): Hard, dry stools, straining, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Mixed IBS (IBS-M): Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation.

Mucus in the stool: Passing whitish mucus.

Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying: Even after a bowel movement, there's a sensation that more needs to pass.

Other less common symptoms may include:

Tiredness and lack of energy

Nausea

Backache

Heartburn

Bladder problems (e.g., frequent urination)

The precise cause of IBS remains elusive, but research suggests several contributing factors:

Muscle contractions in the intestine: The muscular walls of the intestines contract to move food through. In IBS, these contractions can be stronger and longer, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, or weaker, slowing food passage and causing constipation.

Nervous system abnormalities: Problems with the nerves in the digestive system can cause increased discomfort when the abdomen stretches from gas or stool. Miscoordinated signals between the brain and gut can lead to an overreaction to normal digestive processes, resulting in pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

Severe infection: IBS can sometimes develop after a severe bout of gastroenteritis (stomach flu) caused by bacteria or viruses.

Changes in gut microbes: Imbalances or changes in the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live in the intestines (gut microbiota) may play a role.

Early-life stress: Individuals who have experienced stressful events, particularly during childhood, tend to have a higher incidence of IBS.

Food sensitivities/intolerances: While not a true allergy, certain foods (e.g., wheat, dairy, citrus, beans, carbonated drinks) can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms in many individuals.

Hormonal changes: Women often experience worse IBS symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting a hormonal link.

Genetics: IBS may have a tendency to run in families, although a specific gene hasn't been identified.

There is no single definitive test for IBS.

Diagnosis is primarily based on a review of your symptoms and medical history, along with a physical examination.

Your doctor will look for a pattern of abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel movements.

To rule out other conditions that can mimic IBS symptoms (such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain infections), your doctor may recommend:

Blood tests: To check for anemia, inflammation, or celiac disease.

Stool tests: To check for infection, blood, or signs of inflammation.

Breath tests: To check for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or lactose intolerance.

Colonoscopy or Endoscopy: These procedures are generally not required for IBS diagnosis but may be performed if "red flag" symptoms (like unexplained weight loss, bleeding) are present, or if symptoms appear later in life, to rule out more serious conditions.

There is no single definitive test for IBS.

Managing IBS often involves a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medication, and sometimes psychological therapies.

Concord Stem Cell Limited offers advanced therapeutic options that can complement traditional treatments, particularly Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hUC-MSC) therapy, which holds promise for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Conventional Treatments:

Dietary Changes:

Increased Fiber: For constipation-predominant IBS.

Low FODMAP Diet: A temporary elimination diet guided by a dietitian to identify trigger foods.

Avoiding trigger foods: Common triggers include fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and certain carbohydrates.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Stress management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling can help, as stress often exacerbates IBS symptoms.

Regular exercise: Can help regulate bowel function and reduce stress.

Adequate sleep: Essential for overall well-being and managing symptoms.

Medications:

Anti-diarrheal drugs: Such as loperamide, for IBS-D.

Laxatives: For IBS-C.

Antispasmodics: To reduce abdominal pain and cramping.

Antidepressants: Low doses of certain antidepressants can help with pain and bowel function by affecting nerve signals in the gut.

Specific IBS medications: Newer drugs designed to target IBS symptoms.

Probiotics: Certain strains of probiotics may help improve gut health and reduce symptoms.

Mental Health Therapies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change thought patterns that worsen symptoms.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy: Uses relaxation and suggestion to alleviate digestive symptoms.

Advanced Therapeutic Options at Concord Stem Cell Limited

Concord Stem Cell Limited, as the only DGDA Approved Stem Cell Manufacturer and Provider Lab in Bangladesh with a cGMP Facility, is at the forefront of regenerative medicine.

Our signature product, Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hUC-MSC), offers a cutting-edge approach for certain inflammatory and immune-related conditions, and ongoing research is exploring its potential in conditions like IBS.

How hUC-MSCs may help in IBS:

Anti-inflammatory effects: hUC-MSCs have potent anti-inflammatory capabilities, which could help reduce gut inflammation often associated with IBS, especially in cases where low-grade inflammation is present.

Immunomodulatory properties: These cells can modulate the immune system, potentially helping to regulate abnormal immune responses that may contribute to IBS symptoms.

Tissue repair and regeneration: Although IBS is not characterized by overt tissue damage, hUC-MSCs have the potential to promote cellular health and balance within the gut lining, which may contribute to improved gut function and reduced sensitivity.

Gut-brain axis modulation: By influencing various cellular pathways, hUC-MSCs might help in restoring more balanced communication along the gut-brain axis, which is crucial in IBS pathology.

As a cGMP-compliant facility,

Concord Stem Cell Limited ensures the highest standards of safety and quality in the production and application of autologous and allogeneic stem cell products. We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions for chronic and degenerative diseases, and our expert team can assess if advanced cellular therapies may be a suitable complementary option for managing complex IBS cases, particularly those unresponsive to conventional treatments.