Your Doctor
Dr Faruk Ahmed
Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Chittagong Medical College, Chitta
Dear doctor,
I am 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) four years ago. I had done colonoscopy and barium X-ray.My symptoms include constipation, diarrhoea, mucus in stools, blood in stools, abdominal pain, pelvic and lower back pain. The symptoms are worsening by and by and I am particularly worried about the blood in my stools. May it turn into cancer? Should I have further investigation? Please suggest me.
Regards
Masuma Akhter Poly
Narayangonj Answer:
Thank you for your enquiry. At your age it is most unlikely that there may be anything worrying like cancer, but I do think it is sensible to get checked out again one more time by an experienced gastroenterologist. The physician will evaluate your condition and able to find out the cause of having blood in your stool. The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress. Here are some tips to cope with IBS: - Eat a varied healthy diet and avoid foods high in fat.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Try eating 6 small meals a day rather than 3 larger ones.
- Know new and better ways to deal with your stress.
- Avoid using laxatives. They may weaken your intestines and cause you to be dependent on them.
So, make an appointment with your doctor and do not worry too much about it in the mean time. Good luck.
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