Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders that doctors see. IBS is not a disease. It’s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work, or function, correctly. It is a syndrome, meaning a group of symptoms. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with IBS find symptoms improve as they learn to control the condition. Only a small percentage of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe symptoms. The symptoms can greatly differ from according to the person and some of the most common are:
Sometimes, severe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, therefore its best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Typically, IBS is a chronic condition, where the symptoms are worse at time and other times they improve or even disappear completely.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of IBS isn't known.
Some researchers believe irritable bowel syndrome is caused by changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel. Most likely it is a combination of different factors, such as too much or stronger contractions of bowel’s walls, sensitivity to the gases in the bowel, and genetic make-up. And because women are twice as likely to have IBS, it is thought that hormonal changes also play a role. Women might find that symptoms worsen in accord with their menstrual periods. . Psychological factors might also have a role in triggering the symptoms. Other illnesses such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis) can also set off IBS.
The symptoms may be worse after eating or if stress or anxiety is present. Tea, coffee or fatty foods may trigger the symptoms. Medication like antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen) worsen the symptoms as well.
What is the treatment?
In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.
However if your problems are moderate or severe, you may need more than lifestyle changes alone can offer. Advice from a doctor or dietitian can be useful. Your options to counter the causes might include:
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For diarrhoea, you should avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea.
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For constipation, you should try gradually introducing more fibre-rich foods, such as bran, fruit and vegetables, into your diet. Taking fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) with fluids may help control constipation.
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For bloating or gas, avoid gas-producing foods, like carbonated beverages, beans and green vegetables e.g. broccoli.
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For stress, learn how to manage your stress as well as learn relaxation techniques - a diary to might be helpful.
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For maintaining regular bowel movements and reducing stress, regular exercise helps.
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If you need to use painkillers, paracetamol is less likely than ibuprofen or aspirin to make your IBS worse.