Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Patient’s Problem
A 28-year-old male, Mr. Jatin (name changed to protect identity), a software engineer, came to Shivaay Hospicare with a nine-month history of abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits. He complained of cramping pain in the lower abdomen, bloating after meals, and alternating constipation and loose stools. The pain usually improved after passing stool.
Diagnosis
Based on his symptom pattern, history, and normal investigations, the doctor diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mixed Type (IBS-M).
Findings included:
Physical Exam:
He appeared well and stable. Abdominal examination showed mild tenderness in the left lower quadrant, with no guarding, rebound, or organ enlargement. Bowel sounds were normal.
Lab Tests:
- CBC: Normal, no signs of infection or anemia
- CRP/ESR: Normal, suggesting no significant inflammation
- TSH: Normal, ruling out thyroid causes
- Stool occult blood: Negative
- Stool calprotectin: Normal, helped rule out inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac antibodies: Negative
Because there were no red-flag signs like weight loss, bleeding, or persistent diarrhea, a colonoscopy was not required. Women general surgeons at Shivaay Hospicare were available for further evaluation if structural issues were suspected, but this wasn’t needed.
Treatment
Mr. Jatin was managed on an outpatient basis with a structured combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and symptom-focused medications.
Diet & Lifestyle Measures:
- Low-FODMAP diet trial for 4–6 weeks
- Gradual increase in soluble fiber
- Regular meal timings
- Adequate hydration
- Reducing caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol
Medications:
- Antispasmodic medicine for abdominal cramping
- Soluble fiber supplement
- Probiotics for bloating
- Laxative for constipation-dominant days
- Short-term loperamide for loose stools
Stress-Related Care:
Since stress triggered his symptoms, the lady doctor in Vadodara at Shivaay Hospicare advised:
- CBT-based strategies
- Mindfulness and breathing exercises
- Sleep improvement techniques
Result
With early and targeted treatment, the prognosis is good.
At his three-month follow-up, he reported less bloating, reduced abdominal pain, and more regular bowel habits. His symptoms improved steadily as he followed dietary recommendations and stress-management practices.
