Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): treatment in Tashkent

Other names: СРК, спастический колит, функциональное расстройство кишечника

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder in which there is abdominal pain and bowel movements, but no structural changes are found on examination. Patients often hear “you’re fine” and are left alone with symptoms that seriously limit their lives. Meanwhile, IBS is a real diagnosis with an understandable mechanism: the interaction between the intestines and the brain is disrupted, the sensitivity of the intestinal wall is increased, and motility is altered. And, importantly, it responds well to treatment - it’s just that this treatment is different from the usual one.

🧾 МКБ-10: K58 🏥 Where it is treated: 6 Tests are normal - this is the norm for IBSGut-brain axisThe low FODMAP diet works

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Gastroenterologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Rule out other diseases: calprotectin, celiac disease

💊 Treatment

Diet, stress management, symptomatic medications

📈 Prognosis

Not dangerous, quality of life improves

⚠️ At risk

Stress, previous intestinal infection, anxiety

⏱ When to see a doctor

Planned

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Кровь в стуле
Похудение без причины
Ночные симптомы, будящие от сна
Начало симптомов после 50 лет
Анемия, повышение воспалительных маркеров
Рак кишечника или воспалительные заболевания кишечника у родственников

How it manifests itself

Recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation: relieved or worsened after defecation
Change in stool frequency: constipation, diarrhea, or alternation of the two
Changing the shape of the stool
Bloating, rumbling, feeling of incomplete emptying
Mucus in stool
Symptoms worsen under stress and after certain foods
Symptoms do not wake you up at night and do not progress for years

Ключевой признак, отличающий СРК от опасных болезней: отсутствие «красных флагов» и стабильность симптомов на протяжении месяцев и лет без ухудшения общего состояния.

What kind of examination is really needed?

The goal is not to “find IBS,” but to intelligently rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Endless examinations in the absence of alarming signs only increase anxiety.

Общий анализ крови, СРБ — исключение воспаления и анемии.
Фекальный кальпротектин — отличает функциональное расстройство от воспалительных заболеваний кишечника.
Серология на целиакию — она нередко маскируется под СРК.
Гормоны щитовидной железы: гипотиреоз даёт запоры, гипертиреоз — диарею.
Колоноскопия — при «красных флагах», возрасте старше 45–50 лет или отягощённой наследственности.

What really helps

Low FODMAP diet - restriction of poorly absorbed carbohydrates (lactose, fructose, some vegetables, legumes, sweeteners). The method with the best evidence; carried out in a course followed by a gradual expansion of the diet, preferably with a nutritionist
Regular meals without long breaks, sufficient water intake
Soluble fiber (psyllium) - for constipation; bran can increase bloating
Physical activity - proven to reduce symptoms
Working with stress: cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effectiveness specifically for IBS
Antispasmodics for pain, drugs for regulating stool according to the course of the disease
Some probiotics - the effect is individual, assessed after 4 weeks of use
Antidepressants in low doses are not “for nerves”, but as modulators of visceral sensitivity; prescribed by a doctor

Диета low FODMAP не предназначена для пожизненного соблюдения. Строгая фаза длится 4–6 недель, затем продукты возвращают по одному, чтобы определить личные триггеры и максимально расширить рацион.

Why does stress have such an impact?

The intestines have their own nervous system and constantly exchange signals with the brain. In IBS, this connection works redundantly: normal digestive processes are perceived as pain, and emotional stress directly changes intestinal motility.

This does not mean that the “disease is imaginary” - the pain is absolutely real
Dealing with stress affects symptoms as well as medications
Regular sleep, breathing practices, psychotherapy help
Keeping a food and symptom diary helps identify personal triggers

Frequently asked questions: Irritable bowel syndrome

If all the tests are normal, does that mean I’m healthy?+

Normal tests are a typical picture for IBS. This is a functional disorder: there are no structural changes, but the functioning of the intestines and its connection with the brain are disrupted. The symptoms are real and treatable.

Is IBS dangerous?+

No. It does not turn into cancer, does not cause intestinal inflammation and does not shorten life expectancy. But it significantly reduces the quality of life, and this is a sufficient reason for treatment.

What is the low FODMAP diet?+

Limiting poorly absorbed carbohydrates, which cause bloating and pain. This is the method with the best evidence, but is applied over a course of 4–6 weeks followed by an expansion of the diet, rather than for life.

Why are antidepressants prescribed for IBS?+

In low doses, they act not on mood, but on the perception of pain from internal organs - they reduce visceral sensitivity. It is an established treatment for IBS.

Do probiotics help?+

The effect is individual and depends on the strain. It makes sense to try a specific drug for about 4 weeks and evaluate the result; if there is no improvement, you should not continue.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.