Irritable bowel syndrome, known as IBS, is a common gastric disorder striking about 10% to 20% of American citizens. It most cases its symptoms are: cramping pain in the abdomen, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits. IBS may also cause constipation and/or diarrhea. IBS can also be referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, irritable colon or functional bowel disease. But most of these terms are not precise.
The term IBS means a set of symptoms with no precise cause. It is a syndrome, not a disease. And syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms occurring at the same time. IBS patients seem to have perfectly healthy digestive tracks, but for unknown reasons they often develop cramping pain in their lower abdomen, often along with diarrhea or constipation. IBS symptoms may appear in any combination. Women have bigger chance to develop this syndrome. They notice the first symptoms usually before the age of 50.
IBS is a multi-faceted disorder. The symptoms usually result from a disturbance in the interaction between the intestines, brain, and the autonomic nervous system that regulates bowel functioning.
For many years, it was believed that IBS was a condition existing in people’s minds, due to the fact that most patients always had normal physical exams. But now it is suspected that the problem is a result of a communication breakdown between the nerves and muscles that control the colon. Without the appropriate control, the contractions moving waste through the colon can speed up, or alternately slow down. Hence, the colon also becomes very sensitive, and even normal contractions may lead to strong pain.
IBS is not caused by stress and anxiety, but they can aggravate symptoms and make them much more severe. Some people also react strongly to certain foods and drinks, especially fatty foods, dairy products, alcohol or caffeine.
CAUSE
Specialists do not know the cause of IBS. What’s more, so far no cure has been created. IBS is called by the physicians ‘a functional disorder’ as there is no sign of it during the colon examination. IBS causes a lot of discomfort, but in the long run it is not harmful to the colon. It also does not lead to intestinal bleeding or any form of gastric cancer. According to scientists, women with IBS notice more symptoms during their menstrual periods, which suggests that reproductive hormones can intensify IBS symptoms.
Most of people with IBS feel mild frustration, but for some of them it can be extremely crippling. However, the symptoms can be controlled through medicines, diet, and stress management.
SYMPTOMS
People with IBS do not have normal bowel function. The symptoms of this disorder are different for everybody.
People with IBS usually suffer from: abdominal discomfort, pain or cramps, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement, Altered stool form (hard/lumpy or loose/watery), Altered stool passage (straining or urgency).
It is obvious that IBS does not result in any severe inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, IBS does not lead to cancer. IBS can be managed through some treatment options- change in dietary habits, managing stress and medicines all help alleviate the symptoms of this disorder.
