IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is one of the most common conditions that affect the intestine or bowel. It is not a disease, but a group of symptoms. There is no test that can be done to make a positive diagnosis. It may cause severe discomfort, but does not lead to colon cancer or any other disease. It has incorrectly been called mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon.

People with IBS usually have some of the following symptoms:

abdominal pain
changing bowel frequency
constipation or loose stools
mucous in the stools or
gas or bloating

The pain is usually a crampy feeling in the lower abdomen. It may come and go. Relief may come after a bowel movement. Generally it is worse 1 to 2 hours after a meal. Stress can make the symptoms worse, but does not cause the symptoms.

Symptoms often begin while a person is in their twenties. Women are more likely to have IBS than men. The symptoms of IBS may eventually go away. The symptoms may be very similar to other diseases. For this reason a healthcare provider will do tests and x-rays to make sure it is not another disease. Sometimes the symptoms of IBS may be triggered by another illness such as infectious diarrhea.

The symptoms are highly unlikely to progress, require surgery, or develop into serious illness. Psychological counseling may be helpful if emotions seem to make attacks worse. Often people with IBS can find out what causes their symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help if foods seem to start the symptoms. Fats and caffeine may make the intestines contract, which can cause pain, or diarrhea.

Lifestyle changes, diet and management of stress are the best treatments. It may also be helpful to:

avoid milk products
eat a diet high in fiber
eat 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones
drink lots of liquids
avoid foods that cause gas
exercise regularly and
use medicine for diarrhea with caution, it can cause more problems

A provider may prescribe some medicines that will help relieve some of the symptoms.

Any time a person has a change in bowel habits for a week to 10 days, a provider should be consulted. If the symptoms start after the age of 50 a provider should be consulted. IBS does not usually start after age 50.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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