Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common issue, and according to the Mayo Clinic, affects as many as one in five Americans. In fact, IBS may affect even more people, but because of the embarrassing nature of the symptoms, it most likely goes underreported. Basically, irritable bowel syndrome refers to group of symptoms affecting the large intestine, and people with IBS have colons that are over reactive to stimuli. Irritable bowel syndrome is not dangerous like many other diseases of the digestive tract, but it can be uncomfortable, and even disabling, in severe cases. Knowing how irritable bowel syndrome starts and combat the symptoms can help IBS sufferers lead an easier life.
Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. Many researchers suspect that changes in the central nervous system or individual nerves linked to the digestive tract are the culprits. Others believe it's an autoimmune disease,. However, regardless of the cause, irritable bowel syndrome patients have certain symptoms in common. These symptoms include frequent gas, bloating, and abdominal pain and discomfort. Regular bouts of either diarrhea and/or constipation are also quite common. Also, people with IBS often have strong digestive responses to foods or drinks that wouldn't bother other people.
Once the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome start and have persisted for awhile, you may want to visit your physician for a diagnosis. Generally, a physician will take a thorough medical history to determine if your symptoms fit IBS. The length and severity of symptoms, as well which stimuli cause bouts and what eases them, will all factor in to your physician's diagnosis. Usually, a colonoscopy, stool sample and blood test will also be performed, to rule out other, more serious, conditions which have similar symptoms.
While there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are treatments which can make sufferers much more comfortable and reduce bouts of this disease. Depending on your specific symptoms, medications such as fiber or laxatives, or anti-diarrheals, may be prescribed. Also, drugs which reduce the incidence of spasming of the colon are often prescribed, sometimes along with intestinal relaxants to help reduce the risk of constipation. Since IBS attacks are more common during times of stress, patients are also encouraged to seek out stress-relieving techniques, such as exercise, yoga, or counseling. Also, keeping track of which foods precede bouts of IBS and avoiding those foods can also be extremely helpful in deterring future attacks.
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