IBS is a disease that people feel uncomfortable talking about as symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. There is also a stigma with this diagnosis since at one time it was considered to be a psychological rather than a physical condition.
Although it is widely diagnosed, most people show signs and symptoms that are generally quite mild and only a small number have severe signs and symptoms. Unlike more serious intestinal diseases such as Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, irritable bowel syndrome is not serious nor does it cause inflammation or changes in the bowel tissues. Neither does it increase the risk of colorectal cancer. It can be controlled by managing stress, the lifestyle and diet.
Signs and Symptoms:
Irritable bowel symptoms vary from person to person and often mimic those of other diseases.
The most common symptoms are:
- Bloated feeling
- Gas (flatulence)
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation (sometime alternating bouts)
- Mucus in the stool.
As previously mentioned, most people have only mild symptoms while others find the problem disabling. They may have severe symptoms and signs and often have problems responding to medical treatments. Since IBS symptoms can be present with other diseases, it is important to overcome the reluctance to discuss them with your doctor. IBS is a chronic condition and without treatment the symptoms sometimes get worse, but with the right changes it can get better and even go into remission for a long period of time, even disappear all together.
The causes of IBS are not exactly known:
The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from the stomach to the intestinal tract and on to the rectum. In a normal person the muscles relax and contract in an even rhythm. People with IBS have contractions that are stronger and last longer than normal. This forces the food more quickly through the intestines causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. On occasion the opposite happens: the food passage slows and the stools become hard and dry causing constipation.
Researchers have mixed beliefs on what causes the changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel.
Some of their beliefs are:
- The central nervous system may affect the colon
- It is thought to be due to hormonal changes since women are two or three times more likely to have IBS. During menstrual periods symptoms appear to get worse.
Since the triggers are not consistent people react differently to different triggers.
The following are some of the triggers:
Foods: Symptoms worsen for some people when they eat or drink the following
- Milk
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Dairy Products
- Caffeine,
- Sugar free products
- Artificial sweeteners
- Sorbitol
Stress: IBS symptoms can worsen more often during stressful events and changes to the daily routine. While stress can aggravate symptoms, it does not cause them
Other illnesses such as gastroenteritis and acute bouts of diarrhea can cause flare-ups of IBS.
Risk Factors:
- Possible genetic history
- Women are more likely to have IBS
Seek medical treatment for persistent changes in bowel habits and other IBS symptom
Screening and diagnosis:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: - a flexible lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) examines the colon (sigmoid)
- Colonoscopy: a diagnostic test where a small flexible tube is used to examine the full length of the colon
- Computerized tomography (CT) Scan of the abdomen and pelvis
- Lactose intolerance tests: to check tolerance to dairy products
- Blood tests: Celiac disease to check for sensitivity to wheat proteins
Mild symptoms can be controlled by:
- Fiber Supplements
- Anti-diarrhea medications
- Eliminating high gas foods
- Antidepressant medication – can help inhibit the activity or neurons that control the intestines
- Counseling to reduce stress and anxiety
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding triggers such as the foods above
- Drinking lots of liquids, including green and peppermint herbal teas.
- Including probiotic, a good bacteria found in yogurt and dietary supplements.
For more information: www.aboutibs.org, www.ibsgroups.org, www.cfpc.ca, www.badgut.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge only. I am not a medical expert. Neither Suite 101 nor myself are liable for any errors or omissions and any consequences there of. Please check with you health care provider with any questions or health concerns.
Sylvia McGrath - Sylvia was born in Surrey England; her father an engineer was transferred several times taking his family to Scotland and then to Canada. ...
