IBS in Malaysia: What You Need to Know?

Admin
1 day ago
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detailed explanation on IBS causes, symptoms and management

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide (1), yet it remains widely misunderstood and often underdiagnosed. Characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (3), IBS does not show any clear physical, imaging, or laboratory abnormalities typically associated with organic disease. (6).

Sub-type of IBS (7)

According to ROME IV, IBS can be classified into 4 subtypes, based on the presence of symptoms at least 1 day per week for a minimum of 3 months:

Constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D)
Mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
Unclassified (IBS-U)

bristol stool chart is used to evaluate the symptoms of patients

(Bristol Stool Chart as vital tool for IBS classification)

How Common is IBS in Malaysia?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is estimated to affect 10–20% of the global population, with prevalence continuing to increase annually (3), making it the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Individuals with IBS experience a significantly reduced quality of life, comparable to that of patients living with major chronic conditions such as hepatic cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency, and diabetes (3).

In Malaysia, studies show an IBS prevalence of approximately 14% in the general population (5). IBS has been reported to be more frequently occurred in women, with female-to-male ratio of 2-2.5:1 (4) and is strongly associated with psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality (2), factors that are increasingly common in modern lifestyles.

stress, anxiety and depression are closely associated with IBS

What Causes IBS?

IBS is not caused by a single factor. Inste ad, it results from a complex interaction between the gut and the brain. The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it may be linked to changes in:

gastrointestinal motility (movement of the gut)
visceral hypersensitivity (nerves in gut become overly sensitive)
low-grade mucosal inflammation (inflamed intestines)
dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria)

Diet plays a major role in IBS, many patients report symptom flare-ups after consuming certain foods, including those high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, and spicy dishes (8).

The Gut Microbiota: A Central Player in IBS

Recent research has shifted attention to the gut microbiota as a key contributor to IBS pathophysiology. Patients with IBS consistently show reduced microbial diversity, altered bacterial composition, and imbalances in beneficial (reduced lactobacillus and bifidobacterium) versus harmful bacteria compared with healthy individuals (3).

IBS altered the bacteria composition showing reduced beenficial bacteria

These alterations can influence gut permeability, immune activation, short-chain fatty acid production, and neurotransmitter signalling, particularly serotonin, which plays a crucial role in gut motility and pain perception (3).

Importantly, the gut microbiota is a critical component of the gut–brain axis, a bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This helps explain why psychological stress and mood disorders are so closely intertwined with IBS symptoms.

gut dysbiosis can affects gut-brain axis which could further leads to IBS symptoms

Therapies and the Future of IBS Management

IBS is a highly prevalent, multifactorial condition that affects more than just the gut. There is currently no cure, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

Increasing evidence points to the gut microbiota as a key factor in IBS development, prompting therapeutic strategies that go beyond symptom relief. Certain probiotics & prebiotics, and even fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have shown potential, but their effectiveness depends on the specific strains used rather than probiotics in general.

Founded over three decades ago, LP299V® (Lactobacillus plantarum 299v) is one of the most clinically researched Lactobacillus plantarum strains in the world. Backed by more than 200 scientific studies, including over 80 human clinical trials, LP299V® has been specifically shown to help manage symptoms associated with IBS. Learn more here.

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