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| The exact cause of IBS is unknown |
Between 3 percent and 20 percent of Americans experience irritable bowel syndrome (KIBS) symptoms. The condition affects more women than men. Some people with IBS have minor symptoms. However, for others the symptoms are significant and disrupt daily life.
What is IBS?
IBS is also known as spastic colon, Irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and Isn't related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. However, they last at least three months for at least three days per month.
IBS can cause intestinal damage in some cases. However, that is not common. IBS doesn't increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancers, but it can still have a significant effect on your life.
The symptoms of IBS typically include:
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- bloating and gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
It's not uncommon for people with IBS to have episodes of both constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms such as bloating and gas typically go away after you have a bowel movement.
Symptoms of IBS aren't always persistent. They can resolve, only to come back. However, some people do have continuous symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms of IBS. Symptoms of IBS in women. Women may tend to have symptoms around the time of menstruation, or they may have more symptoms during this time. Menopausal women have fewer symptoms than women who are still men struating. Some women have also reported that certain symptoms increase during pregnancy. Learn more about the nature of IBS symptoms in women.
Symptoms of IBS in men
Symptoms of IBS In men are the same as the symptoms in women. However, a lot fewer men report their symptoms and seek treatment. Learn more about how the symptoms of IBS can affect men.
IBS pain may feel like cramping. With this cramping, you will also have at least two of the following experiences:
some relief of pain after a bowel movement a change in how often you have a bowel movement.
changes in the way your stools look IBS diagnosis.Your doctor may be able to diagnose IBS based on your symptoms. They may also take one or more of the following steps to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms:
Have you adopt a certain diet or cut out specific food groups for a period to rule out any food allergies.
Have a stool sample examined to rule out infection.
Have blood tests done to check for anemia and rule outceliac disease.Have a stool sample examined to rule out infection.
Perform a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is typically only done if your doctor suspects that your symptoms are being caused by colitis, in ammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease), or cancer. Learn more about the process of diagnosing IBS
IBS diet
For some people, dietary changes can go a long way in helping ease symptoms. Because the symptoms of IBS vary among people with the condition, approaches to dietary changes need to vary. This Health line article helps to outline some of these different dietary approaches.
Treating IBS
There is no cure for IBS, Treatment is aimed at symptom relief. Initially, your doctor may have you make certain life. style changes. These "home remedies" are typically suggested before the use of medication. Learn more about the different types of IBS treatment.
Home remedies for IBS
Certain home remedies or lifestyle changes may help to relieve your IBS symptoms without the use of medication. Examples of these lifestyle changes include:
participating in regular physical exercise cutting back on caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines.
Eating smaller meals.
Eating smaller meals.
Minimizing stress (talk therapy may help) taking probiotics ("good" bacteria normally found in the intestines) to help relieve gas and bloating.
Avoiding deep-fried or spicy foods Foods to avoid with IBS.
Managing your diet when you have IBS may take a little extra time but is often worth the effort. Modifying amounts or eliminating certain foods such as dairy, fried foods, indigestible sugars, and beans may help to reduce different symptoms.
For some people, adding spices and herbs such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile has helped to reduce some IBS symptoms. Learn more about how certain foods interact with IBS symptoms.
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| The exact cause of IBS is unknown |
IBS medication
If your symptoms do not improve through home remedies, such as lifestyle or dietary changes, your doctor may suggest the use of medications. Different people can respond.
differently to the same medication, so you may need to work with your doctor to find the right medication for you.
As with all medication, when considering new medication, it's important to tell your doctor what you are already taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. This will help your doctor avoid any medication that could interact with what you are already taking. Some drugs are used to treat all symptoms of IBS, while other drugs are focused on specific symptoms.
Drugs that are used include medications to control muscle spasms, anticonstipation drugs, tricyclic antidepressants to ease pain, and antibiotics. If your main IBS symptom is constipation, linaclotide and lubiprostone are two drugs that are recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
What causes IBS?
Although there are many ways to treat IBS, the exact cause of IBS is unknown. Possible causes include an overly sensitive colon or immune system. Postinfectious IBS is caused by a previous bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The varied possible causes make IBS difficult to prevent.
The physical processes involved in IBS can also vary, but may consist of: slowed or spastic movements of the colon, causing painful cramping.
abnormal serotonin levels in the colon, affecting motility and bowel movements mild celiac disease that damages the intestines, causing IBS symptoms IBS triggers. For many people, the key to managing IBS symptoms is to avoid triggers. Certain foods as well as stress and anxiety can be triggers for IBS symptoms for many people.
Certain foods are common triggers for many people with IBS. However, some of these foods may have a greater effect on you than others. It may help to keep a food diary for a period to learn which foods are triggers for you.
Recognizing in advance situations that may increase your levels of stress and anxiety can help.
This can give you time to either plan to avoid these situations when possible or develop strategies to limit the stress and anxiety.
