Irritable Bowel Symptoms

IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a digestive disorder which makes the individual suffer abdominal pains, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating, thus causing total discomfort. However, these symptoms associated with IBS do not harm the intestines permanently.

In addition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not cause cancer. Many people who have IBS are able to prevent symptoms with the right medications, managing stress, and proper diet. Some people, though, find that IBS can be debilitating at times as they are unable to pursue day-to-day activities such as traveling, attending social gatherings, even working.

Studies show that IBS is one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States. 20 percent of American adults suffer from IBS; in women more often than in men. Symptoms usually start before the age of 35.

The Most Common Symptoms of IBS

Main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include bloating, discomfort, and abdominal pain. However, these can vary from one individual to another. Some people experience constipation which makes bowel movement difficult. More often than not, these people tend to experience stomach cramps when trying to eliminate. If they do so successfully, the amount is always small.

Some stools are streaked with mucus, which protects and moistens the digestive system's passages. On the other hand, diarrhea is experienced by some people with IBS. Others with IBS have the alternating experience between getting constipated and having loose bowel movement.

IBS in some people can subside for a while and return a few months later, while others experience the symptoms getting worse over time.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What are the causes?

There is no clear evidence yet of what causes Irritable bowel Syndrome. However, a theory that has been 'plausible' over the years is that the large intestine's sensitivity triggers unpleasant reactions due to 1) stress, and 2) certain foods taken by the individual with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

It is also said that the immune system's low threshold to fight infection has a greater risk of having IBS.

• Abnormal digestive activity happens in the person who has Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The colon's regular motility gets affected; either it gets spasmodic, or the movement stops temporarily.
• Epithelium, or the colon's lining, which is directly affected by the nervous and immune systems, necessitates fluid activity regularly in the colon. The epithelium may appear to function normally in IBS. However, when the colon's contents move too fast, it cannot absorb fluids. This results to having plenty of fluids in the stool. Other people with IBS experience slow motility inside their colon which results to having excess fluids to be absorbed. This rather abnormal digestive activity leads to constipation.

Diagnosing IBS

If you suspect of having Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it is best to consult with your physician. Even though there is no standard test for IBS, diagnostic tests are being made. Tests include x-rays, stool sample testing, and blood tests. Normally, the physician will perform a colonoscopy, which allows him to look inside the colon.

Other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Movement:

• Bloating
• Infrequent bowel movement
• Stools' change in appearance
• Having a difficult time to pass stool
• Abdominal pain
• Reoccurring severe pain, bleeding, marked loss of weight, and fevers are not associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. these symptoms may be related in other health disorders.

Factors That Can Worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Medicines
• Caffeinated beverages
• Dairy products, wheat, barley, rye, chocolate, or alcohol
• Emotional upsets and stress

Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In treating IBS, medications do vary. There are readily available antispasmodic medicines that can control spasms in the colon. Since the colon needs thorough cleansing to prevent experiencing IBS, natural colon cleansers are also recommended.