The cause of IBS isn't known, but it's currently thought to be due to the large and small intestines over- or under-sensing factors that may lead to abnormal bowel function. It is also thought to be influenced by psychological and social factors. For people with IBS, some situations may trigger pain and discomfort:

• emotional stress
• eating
• excessive gas
• female hormones (for women with IBS, symptoms often worsen during their periods)
• certain medications and food (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, coffee, dairy products, fatty foods, fructose, carbohydrates)
• after a bout of gastroenteritis
• an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine

Symptoms of IBS include:

• abdominal pain and cramps, which may come in "on-again, off-again" bouts or as a continuous dull ache
• constipation or diarrhea, or alternating periods of both
• urgent need to have a bowel movement
• excessive gas
• bloating
• changes in bowel habits
• mucus in the stool

Blood in the stool is never a symptom of IBS. People who have blood in their stool, constant pain, vomiting, weight loss, or who have a fever should see a doctor. For other possible causes of these symptoms, refer to our disease articles on Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and hemorrhoids.

A doctor will get a medical history and perform a physical exam, looking for "alarm" symptoms like fever, bleeding, or drastic weight loss that could be due to something more serious.

X-rays or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (using a tube with a tiny camera on the end) may be used to look inside the colon, especially for older individuals. Sometimes, abdominal ultrasounds or X-rays of the intestines are done.

There is no specific test for irritable bowel syndrome. A diagnosis is generally based on a history of characteristic bowel patterns, abdominal pain, and the exclusion of other diseases.

People with IBS can usually manage symptoms by making adjustments to their lifestyle. Treatment is usually aimed at managing specific symptoms. Increasing dietary fibre may be helpful, particularly if you suffer from constipation. Dietary fibre (such as whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables) prevents stools from drying out too much and helps to keep things moving regularly in the colon.

Switching to a high-fibre diet might cause bloating and gas at first, but this usually goes away in a few weeks and can be reduced by making a gradual change to the amount of fibre consumed. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to prevent or reduce constipation. Other people find that avoiding certain food triggers, particularly foods that cause gas, can lessen their symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce cramping and diarrhea.

Since stress can bring on symptoms of IBS, stress management is an important way to deal with this condition. Exercise and some kind of relaxation training (such as meditation) are often recommended.

Your doctor might also suggest talking with a counsellor to learn how to cope better. If you experience other symptoms such as anxiety, talk to your doctor on how to manage your condition.

Medication for IBS is aimed at treating symptoms. Medications are available to slow down the movement of food through the digestive system and to control diarrhea. Laxatives are sometimes helpful for problem constipation, but people should not depend on them for regular bowel movements. Antidiarrhea medications (e.g., loperamide*) may be helpful for people who have mostly diarrhea as a symptom. Other medications are available depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing and your doctor can discuss them with you.
Probiotics are bacteria that normally live in your intestines and found in certain foods, so they are considered "good" bacteria. Some studies suggest that IBS may be due to an imbalance or disruption of the normal "good" bacteria that's present in the intestines. Probiotics may help the symptoms experienced by people with IBS by restoring this balance. However, further research into the use of probiotics in IBS needs to be done, as only certain strains of bacteria are proving to be beneficial.
 

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome