Ask Dr Loh Poh Yen: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It sounds like you suffered an attack of vasogagal syncope, which is a largely benign overreaction of the nervous system to certain stimuli. Ie your IBS symptoms resulted in your fainting episode. Seizures are generally determined when witnessed, although certain telltale signs (such as loss of urinary or bowel continence) might suggest a possible seizure. There are, however, many types of Seizures and it is difficult to comment on without further information. If this occurs frequently it might be best to be examined properly by a medical physician.

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. The diagnosis is made by gastroscopy and biopsy, but can often be suspected based on symptoms. IBS is a condition affecting the intestines, and is thought to be due to problems with the muscles and nerves of the intestine, which in turn causes problems with gut movement and sensitivity. IBS diagnosed using symptoms, and endoscopy and biopsy would be normal. Based on your predominant symptoms of bloating and excessive flatulence, your problem might be neither gastritis nor IBS.

Thanks for your question. It's an interesting one! Constipation has an interesting relationship with back pain as acute back pain, with prolapse of an intervertebral disc and compression of nerves can lead to an alteration in bowel habits, which includes constipation. Equally, some people can develop back ache symptoms as a consequence of constipation. Remember, you are three dimensional and hence if you are experiencing pain in the abdomen it can be felt in the back too. Sometimes people can also develop back pain while straining when trying to pass motion.

Food poisoning is an acute event which occur shortly after the ingestion of contaminated food or beverage. This can present with vomiting, fever, cramps or diarrhoea. What you have experienced sounded like a sensitive digestive system since your symptoms occur frequently with no specific relation with any type of food. A common condition with such presentation is irritable bowel syndrome. People with this condition have symptoms ranging from bad constipation to frequent diarrhoea. If your symptoms happened only recently, you should 1st consult your doctor to exclude infection from parasites.

Your symptoms are very common and many people suffer from them daily. However, there are a couple of things that I would like to bring up in your case that are worth considering as I suspect your complaints might not be from a single problem. Irritable bowel syndrome encompasses a myriad of symptoms but a common feature would be the relation of the abdominal pain or discomfort to defecation. Most people find relief with passing motion or gas, albeit temporary. Your complaints of prolonged, persistent abdominal bloating warrants further consideration of other medical and non-medical causes.