Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestines of almost 60 million Americans. More than half of the sufferers are women, possibly because one of the triggers for IBS is hormonal change. While we don't know what causes IBS, we do know that in some people other triggers can include stress, eating, antibiotics and gas.
Symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, and there is often a change in stool appearance such as mucous in the stool. Diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation is not uncommon.
Treatment is often with lifestyle changes, but may include fiber supplements, medicines to relieve muscle spasms or in severe cases specific IBS medication. IBS is not always easy to diagnose, and many have investigated alternative medicine for remedies. Some studies have shown benefits of peppermint and probiotics.
Recently Answered
- Q How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe road to a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be an arduous journey. Doctors will want to rule out other GI disorders such as parasites, gluten sensitivity, small intestine diseases, and lactose intolerance. A diagnosis of IBS is made... Full Answer
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- Q What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe constant pain, gas, bloating, disturbed defecation, and uncertainty that plagues people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is deeply disabling. The unpredictable course of the disease makes people with IBS expert bathroom-mappers, constantly on the... Full Answer
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- Q Can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) be prevented?
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Since the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not entirely understood, there are no established measures to prevent it. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, however, you may be able to prevent or reduce symptom flare-ups by managing your stress.... Full Answer
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- Q Is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) serious?
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Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be disabling for some people, the condition itself does not cause any permanent damage to the intestines. For most people, the symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and... Full Answer
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- Q When should I call my doctor if I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
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Call your doctor if: You have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and your symptoms get worse, begin to disrupt your activities or don't respond as usual to your home treatment. You are more tired than usual. Your symptoms... Full Answer
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- Q How can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) be prevented?
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Nutritional and lifestyle choices may help prevent or relieve symptoms of IBS.Diet: Cutting out alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, refined sugars, and fatty foods may significantly reduce symptoms. Many individuals may have food sensitivities (allergies)... Full Answer
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- Q How common is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
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Dr. Eva Cwynar, Endocrinology, Diabetes & MetabolismIt is estimated that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10% to 20% of the American population, with women 20 to 40 years old accounting for the majority of patients. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen in doctors'... Full Answer
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- Q What is the difference between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBD?
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Patsy Catsos, Nutrition & DieteticsIBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Unlike IBS, IBD causes inflammation, ulcers and other damage to the... Full Answer
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- Q What tests can diagnose the cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
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Dr. Lawrence Friedman, GastroenterologyIf diagnostic testing is necessary to rule out causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, it may include a complete blood count, thyroid tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The ESR, which measures the speed at which mature red blood... Full Answer
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- Q How can chronic stress affect irritable bowel syndrome?
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Dr. Bill Salt, GastroenterologyStress response may not be associated with conscious awareness or feeling of stress or anxiety. This helps explain why functional gut symptoms, such as stomach problems, may vary in severity from time to time, and why the symptoms that you... Full Answer
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