 |
 |
 |
Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
An article for the non-ostomates among us. This article discusses the definition, symptoms and diagnosis of IBS, as well as the effects of diet, stress and medication.
• Article added January 18, 2004
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This page has a built-in search engine wherein you can search for specific words and be taken directly to that point on the page if such words are found. To find repeated instances of the same word, press the "ALT + S" buttons on the keyboard (works in Internet Explorer only). The search box is not case-sensitive.
Does This Sound Familiar?
As far as diseases go, bowel disorders are at the bottom of the list (no pun intended). People will quite openly discuss breast cancer or brain tumors, but get anywhere near the colon and people get uncomfortable. Well, it's understandable really. How do you mention in polite conversation: “I had the runs yesterday and my colon was spasming so much I actually soiled myself because I couldn't make it home in time.” Or, try explaining to your boss why it's not a good idea to have you as the chief presenter at an important meeting. “Well, first I'll be constipated for at least three days prior, due to the anticipation of being in the spotlight. Then, about 5 minutes before the meeting starts, I'll get the runs and spend the next two hours excusing myself every 10 minutes to rush to the bathroom.”
What is IBS?
IBS is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Some people have constipation, some people have diarrhea, and some people have both. In the past it has been known as spastic colon or colitis, but this has been found to be untrue. It is, instead, a functional bowel disorder without evidence of disease. It doesn't cause permanent harm to the intestines, it doesn't lead to intestinal bleeding, and it doesn't cause cancer. It can, however, be extremely annoying and debilitating. [Top]
What Causes IBS?
What causes one person to have IBS and not another? No one knows. Symptoms cannot be traced to a single organic cause. Research suggests that people with IBS seem to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a variety of things, including certain foods and stress.
Does Stress Cause IBS?
Emotional stress will not cause a person to develop IBS. But if you already have IBS, stress can trigger symptoms. In fact, the bowel can overreact to all sorts of things, including food, exercise, and hormones. Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
Foods that tend to cause symptoms include: wheat, rye, barley, dairy products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and fatty foods. In some cases, simply eating a large meal will trigger symptoms. [Top]
What are the Symptoms of IBS?
- Cramping in the stomach area (abdomen)
- Diarrhea, constipation or alternating periods of both
- Swollen or bloated abdomen
- Mucus in the stool
- The feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement
- Sometimes people with IBS have a crampy urge to move their bowels but cannot do so.
Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain are not symptoms of IBS and may indicate other problems such as inflammation or rarely cancer. [Top]
How is IBS Diagnosed?
If you think you have IBS, seeing your doctor is the first step. IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.
No particular test is specific for IBS, however, diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other diseases. These tests may include stool or blood tests, barium x-rays or endoscopy (viewing the colon through a flexible tube inserted through the anus). If these tests are all negative, the doctor may diagnose IBS based on your symptoms, that is, how often you have had abdominal pain or discomfort during the past year, when the pain starts and stops in relation to bowel function, and how your bowel frequency and stool consistency are altered. [Top]
What is the Treatment?
IBS has no cure, but you can do things to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve diet changes, medication and/or stress relief. You may have to try a combination of things to see which works best for you.
How Can Diet Changes Help IBS?
For many people, careful eating reduces IBS symptoms. Before changing your diet, keep a journal noting the foods that seem to cause distress. Then discuss your findings with your doctor. You may also want to consult a registered dietitian, who can help you make changes to your diet. For instance, if dairy products cause your symptoms to flare up, you can try eating less of those foods. You might be able to tolerate yogurt better than other dairy pro- ducts because it contains bacteria that supply the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Dairy products are an important source of calcium and other nutrients. If you need to avoid dairy products, be sure to get adequate nutrients in the foods you substitute or take supplements.
In many cases, dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms, particu- larly constipation. However, it may not help pain or diarrhea. Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms. Some forms of fiber also keep water in the stool, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. Doctors usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but these symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts.
Drinking six to eight glasses of plain water a day is important, especially if you have diarrhea. But drinking carbonated bever- ages, such as sodas, may result in gas and cause discomfort.
Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller portions or eating smaller meals more often should help IBS symptoms. It may also help if your meals are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables. [Top]
How Can Medication Help IBS?
Medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or occasional laxatives for constipation, as well as medicines to decrease diarrhea, or drugs that control colon muscle spasms to reduce abdominal pain. Anti-depressants may also relieve some symptoms. It is important to note that medications affect people differently and that no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone.
How Can Stress Relief Help IBS?
Stress – feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed –stimulates colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress.
Stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS and comprises:
- stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies, such as meditation
- counseling and support
- regular exercise, such as walking
- changes to the stressful situations in your life
- adequate sleep [Top]
Is IBS Linked to Other Diseases?
IBS itself is not a disease. As its name indicates, it is a syndrome – a combination of signs and symptoms. But IBS has not been shown to lead to any serious, organic diseases, including cancer. Through the years, IBS has been called by many names, among them colitis, spastic colon, or spastic bowel. However, no link has been established between IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Sources and Credits
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 
(NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the Clearing- house provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care profes- sionals, and the public. NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases. Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts.
This text is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.
NIH Publication No. 03-693 and NIH Publication No. 03-4686 April 2003
Disclaimer • This site and its contents are presented expressly for informational purposes only about London & District Ostomy Association (LDOA) and gastrointestinal and/or urinary diversions in general. In no way are any of the materials presented here meant to be a substitute for professional medical care or proper attention by a qualified physician, nor should they be construed as such. Always check with your doctor or ET if you have any questions or concerns about your condition or before starting a new program or treatment. The Webmaster and LDOA are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by this site.
| ||||
| This page was last updated on |
