Gastrointestinal Health – Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or (IBS) is a gastrointestinal
disorder that is chronic and of unknown cause. Among the most
common symptoms of (IBS) include: abdominal cramping or pain,
bloating and gassiness, and changed bowel habits. Irritable
bowel syndrome if also referred to as spastic colon, functional
bowel disease, and mucous colitis. However, IBS is not regarded
as a true “colitis.” The term colitis refers to
a separate condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Irritable bowel syndrome often disrupts daily living activities.
From a survey conducted it was found that nineteen percent of
respondents of married or cohabiting people with IBS said that
they had difficulties in their personal relationships, and 45%
said that IBS interfered with their sex life.
IBS Causes
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known.
IBS is believed to result from abnormal gastrointestinal (GI)
tract movements, increased awareness of normal bodily functions,
and a change in the nervous system communication between the
brain and the GI tract. In addition, there are abnormal movements
of the colon, some too fast or too slow, in some, but not all,
people who have IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome commonly develops
after episodes of gastroenteritis.
It is also believed that IBS can be caused by dietary allergies
or food sensitivities, but this has never been proven.
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are known to worsen during
periods of high stress or menses, but these factors have not
been found to be the cause that leads to development of IBS.
IBS Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome does not affect everyone
the same. The main marker for IBS is abdominal discomfort
or pain.
The following symptoms are also common of IBS:
o Abdominal cramps and pain that subsides after bowel movements
o Alternating of both diarrhea and constipation
o Change in stool frequency or consistency
o Passing of gas or flatulence
o Mucus passing from the rectum
o Bloating
o Distension of the abdomen
The following are not symptoms or characteristics
of IBS:
o Blood in the stool or urine
o Vomiting - (rare, though can accompany nausea)
o Pain or diarrhea that interrupts rest
o Fever
o Loss of weight
Because Irritable bowel syndrome will affect each person differently,
if a person experiences any of the symptoms, he or she should
contact their health care worker to seek further advice. These
kinds of symptoms can worsen if not taken care of right away
so a person should never wait on their symptoms to get better.
At even the first signs and symptoms of IBS, or if a person
with IBS has particularly worrisome issues related to IBS,
a doctor should be sought out immediately. For particularly
persistent IBS symptoms, go to a hospital emergency department
right away before the problem worsens.
Self-Care
Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid any foods such as those with high sugar and fat, particularly
if you feel that they provoke your IBS. It is always a very
good idea to drink plenty of water in addition to your beverages
eaten with your meals. Get plenty of exercise, even if you
only take a brisk walk around the block 3-4 times each week.
Of prime importance is to stay calm. Avoid high stress events.
When you take better care of yourself your bowels will work
better for you, too.
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