Irritated Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in the human digestive system that is characterized by recurring painful muscle contraction in the abdomen, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea due to an unknown cause. This disorder may occur at any age but it is more likely to begin at teenage years or early adulthood. It is most common twice in women than in men. IBS is not a disease, as others may fear that it can lead to a more serious health problem like cancer. It is only a syndrome which means it is a group of signs and symptoms that patterns to a specific disease or disorder.
People who suffer from this kind of disorder feel anxious and discomforted. They may be unable to work due to the discomfort from abdominal pain. Their social life could be affected too because they could not go far away from home due to a feeling of uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel movement. They could not also enjoy their favorite foods because these foods may cause them harder to bowel or some may cause loose bowel.
IBS symptoms are not the same for every person. Some people experience constipation or difficulty in eliminating bowel while some may experience diarrhea or frequent loose bowel movement. Others may experience an alternate constipation and diarrhea.
Researchers have not yet found the exact cause of IBS. However, there are theories that it is due to inappropriate diet, sensitive and reactive stomach, or bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. There is no specific cure for IBS. Physicians diagnose IBS through the signs and symptoms that take place to a person. Diagnostic test may be conducted such as sample stool testing, blood test, and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy—an examination on the colon performed by inserting a tube-like instrument through the anus with a camera on the end of it, for the doctor to be able to see what is inside the colon through a big television screen.
Treatment for this kind of disorder has not yet found since the cause is yet unknown. Treatments are given focus on the relief of the symptoms. It may involve diet and lifestyle change, medicine intake for stress relief and learning to manage your stress. IBS is not caused by emotional distress but having an IBS can cause stress due to the reaction of irregular bowel movement. Avoid food and drinks that may worsen the symptoms like fatty foods, dairy products like ice cream or cheese, alcohol, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Fiber intake is preferably suggested to those who are constipated. Fiber may help reduce constipation because it makes stool soft and easier to pass. Add foods with fiber to your diet little at a time to observe your body’s reaction because too much fiber may cause gas that can lead to bloating. Consult a physician before taking medicine because there may be possible side effects you experience. Therapy or counseling may help in cases of severe depression
