Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the movement of digested material through the intestines and colon, causing diarrhea, constipation, or both. The cause is unknown, but stress and certain foods may trigger symptoms. Treatment involves managing individual symptoms and making lifestyle changes.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition in which the movement of digested material through the intestines and colon is severely impaired. The nerves that control the flow of fecal material become overactive, changing the patient’s natural elimination cycle and causing diarrhea, constipation, or both. Abdominal pain relieved by defecation, severe cramping, and white mucus discharge in the stool are also indications of irritable bowel syndrome.
There is no single identifiable cause of irritable bowel syndrome, and it often takes years of symptom elimination to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Many doctors point out that it is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although some patients may suffer from both conditions at the same time. True irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or mucous colitis, which can explain some of the more troubling symptoms.
The current belief is that patients with irritable bowel syndrome have the same digestive capacity as non-sufferers. The problem occurs when digested food and water reach the intestines and colon. The nerves that control the muscles of the intestines and colon are affected in some way by factors such as stress or perhaps an increased sensitivity to certain foods. These nerves become overactive, causing painful abdominal cramps. These cramps can also generate internal gas pockets, causing flatulence and a bloated feeling.
If the irritated bowel moves fecal material too quickly through the colon, the result could be loose stools or diarrhea. If the intestines move too slowly, the result could be chronic constipation. In fact, medical professionals often assign a letter to designate the different effects: IBS-D means diarrhea is prominent, IBS-C indicates constipation, and IBS-A indicates an alternating cycle between the two. There is also a form which appears to occur after an infection; it’s called IBS-PI.
Successful medical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome hasn’t come easy. Doctors tend to prescribe or suggest medications for individual IBS symptoms, not the syndrome as a whole. Laxatives are suggested for constipation sufferers, while over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications appear to control diarrheal attacks. Since stress can be a trigger, some patients may also take antidepressants. There are several experimental drugs that can address the nerve cramping aspect of the condition, but to date, results have been mixed.
Very often the best way to deal with irritable bowel syndrome is a change in eating habits and overall diet. Stress reduction techniques also appear to help sufferers prevent severe attacks. This is by no means considered a fatal condition, but sufferers may experience some social anxiety about the uncontrollable side effects associated with the condition.
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