There are many patients with irritable bowel syndrome who may not know it. There are gas and discomfort in the abdomen which most people will put to indigestion or mild food poisoning. In actual fact the patient's symptoms may all due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system. It is characterized by abdominal pain/cramps, bloating or gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. It is also known as spastic colon.
It occurs in one in five persons and usually between the ages of 20-50.
Women outnumber men by two or three to one. It can become a chronic condition causing much discomfort and inconvenience to the patient. However, it does not progress to cancer.
The exact cause of IBS is not known.
The muscles of the walls of the intestines in the normal person contract and relax in a co-ordinated rhythm known as peristalsis. This action helps to move food along the intestines during which time absorption takes place.
The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. The contractions are stronger and last longer. Food is pushed along the intestines at a faster rate, giving rise to abdominal pain, gas and diarrhoea. Sometimes, the opposite occurs. The contractions are weaker causing the passage of food to slow down and constipation results.
Other factors that have been shown to play a part are stress, diet and hormones. These are called triggers.
1.Stress
which may be psychological or physical.
Psychological stresses such as family misunderstanding; bereavement; anxiety; meeting deadlines etc.
Physical stresses such as illnesses, infections, exhaustion etc.
2.Diet
certain foods have been known to cause the onset of symptoms. They include fried or oily food; gas-forming foods e.g.broccoli, beans, cabbage; chocolates; coffee.
3.Hormonal changes
some women experience attacks during or around their menstrual periods.
The main symptoms of IBS are:
1.Abdominal pain or cramps-usually over the left side or over the lower abdomen
2.Bloating and/or gas
3.Diarrhea, constipation or alternating diarrhea and constipation.
4.whitish mucus in the stool
The symptoms can range from mild to severe. In many cases the symptoms are bearable and go off after a bowel movement.
Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
Because the cause is unknown and there is a lack of specific physical signs, diagnosis is arrived at through a process of elimination .
A colonoscopy is usually done to rule out colon cancer, diverticulosis, polyps.
There is no real cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic i.e. it is directed towards the relief of symptoms.
Mild symptoms usually go off on their own.
If symptoms are severe, the doctor may prescribe the following:
Anti-spasmodics for the abdominal pain and cramps,
Anti-flatulents to get rid of gas and relief the bloating,
Anti-diarrheals to stop diarrhea,
Antidepressants, even in lower doses than are used for treating depression, can help people with IBS.
Laxatives to relief constipation.
Foods and drinks that may cause or worsen symptoms include
fatty foods, like french fries
milk products, like cheese or ice cream
chocolate
alcohol
caffeinated drinks, like coffee
carbonated drinks, like soda
Some foods make IBS better.
Fiber may reduce the constipation associated with IBS because it makes stool soft and easier to pass.
However, some people with IBS who have more sensitive nerves may feel a bit more abdominal discomfort after adding more fiber to their diet. Fiber is found in foods such as breads, cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in a person with IBS.
Eat small meals for example eating four or five small meals a day.
Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea in people with IBS.
Stress doesn’t cause IBS, but it can make your symptoms worse.
Learning to reduce stress can help with IBS. With less stress, you may find you have less cramping and pain. You may also find it easier to manage your symptoms.
Meditation, exercise, hypnosis, and counseling may help.
Prevention is an important part in the total management of this condition.
They consist of stress management and life-style changes.
Stress management
Avoid unnecessary stress
Learn to relax
Exercise regularly
Dietary changes
Avoid oily, spicy food
Avoid gas-forming foods e.g. cabbage, broccoli, beans
Avoid coffee, chocolates, and alcohol
Avoid large meals
Take more fiber
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