Irritable Bowel Syndrome - A one in Five Prospect For All of Us. - By: Bishop Chanakira

Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) is not contagious, inherited, or cancerous. Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms attributed to the intestinal tract for which there is no underlying structural or biochemical explanation. About 20% of people get IBS and at any time about 5% of adults have symptoms consistent with IBS. It is mostly prevalent in the developed countries of the world, but notwithstanding the fact that there are many theories about its occurrence and development clear causes have not yet been established.

There is a lot of speculation about irritable bowel syndrome and it is commonly believed that irritable bowel syndrome is a conglomeration of disorders with similar symptoms but a range of causes. For example, the symptoms of IBS result from what seems to be an imbalance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, sensory function, and the autonomic nervous system that changes regulation of bowel mobility (motor function).

IBS is called a functional disorder because there is no evidence of disease when the colon is examined and becauseit limits the ability of the gastrointestinal organs to function properly. IBS also know under various other names, such as:
• ColitisIrritable Colon
• Mucous Colitis
• Nervous Stomach
• Spastic Bowel
• Spastic Colon.

The Disease is characterized by a group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel movements, such as loose or more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:
• Increased or less movement of the bowel causing either diarrhoea or constipation
• Abdominal cramping or pain
• Inadequate bowel emptying
• nausea, and
• Higher levels of gas production which may result in abdominal bloating mucus in stools.

Other common symptoms are bloating, mucus in the stools, or a feeling of not completely emptied your bowels.

IBS is more common in women than men. Symptoms of IBS may increase stress because of fear that the patient may perceive a more serious disease present.

Only a small percentage of people have severe signs and symptoms. Therefore any new symptoms, especially developing in later life after years of Irritable Bowel Syndrome should be evaluated by a doctor.

Treatment will depend on the types of symptoms you have and severity, as well as how they affect your daily life, and will likely involve changes to your lifestyle. Treatment options may include:
• A modest increase in dietary fibre, together with plenty of clear fluids
• Limiting or eliminating common gas-producing foods, such as beans and cabbage
• Reducing or eliminating dairy foods, if lactose intolerance is a trigger
• Antidiarrhoeals, such as imodium or lomotil
• Pain-relieving medications – opiates such as codeine can provide effective pain relief.

A group of researchers has brought together the results of trials worldwide involving three treatments: fibre supplementation, antispasmodics and addition ofpeppermint oil. Treatment in today’s medicine ranges dramatically depending on the symptoms. Many believe that psychological reasons may cause IBS. It is important to rule out physical causes before blaming psychological sources but if all tests are normal and treatment for physical problems is not yielding positiveresults, a biopsy may be helpful. Prescription medication is available for short-term use in women with IBS whose primary problem is constipation.

Some in the medical profession believe that psychological reasons may cause IBS. They argue that acutely stressful situations are often associated with transient changes in bowel function. There that show that patients who are not depressed may benefit from taking tricyclics antidepressants in doses which are smaller than those used to treat depression. Some patients also understand that anxiety can alter proper function of the digestive system and a positive diagnosis and explanation together with a supportive therapeutic relationship may be all that is required. Meditation may be of assistance to some patients. Relaxation therapy or self-hypnosis may also be useful.

Although the causes are often unclear, some studies have identified causes or stimulants of IBS. By way of example, lactose intolerance may produce bloating, cramps and diarrhoea. Occasionally, excessive wheat bran actually increases wind and bloating . Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often the result of food intolerance.

IBS is more common in women than men. In fact, women are 2-3 times more likely than men to get irritable bowel syndrome. Menses may exacerbate symptoms in women.

In conclusion, irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem, and its cause is unknown. It is also known as Colitis, Irritable Colon, Mucous Colitis, Nervous Stomach, Spastic Bowel or Spastic Colon. Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms attributed to the small intestine and colon for which there is no underlying structural or biochemical explanation and is generally classified as a "functional" disorder. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by alterations in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, typically experienced over many years.

About the Author

Bishop has a keen interest in the human digestive system and writes about irritable bowel syndrome.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Bishop-Chanakira/51590

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