Take Control Of The Discomfort

Answer 1

The Basics of Irritable Bowl Syndrome

Irritable Bowl Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a disorder of the bowel involving chronic abdominal pain, general discomfort, etc. This includes bouts of both constipation and diarrhea, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom and a general decrease in quality of life.

IBS has no known direct cause, making it difficult to treat. It usually has to be identified through a process known as a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that a medical professional runs tests and performs exams ruling out other conditions as the cause of the symptoms. Then, a diagnosis of IBS is logical.

Signs and Symptoms

A more complete list of symptoms for IBS include: general abdominal discomfort, chronic abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, a change in bowel habits, and a feeling of urgency for bowel movements. In some cases, these symptoms present themselves along with fever, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms; when this occurs, the usual diagnosis is post-infectious IBS, meaning the patient is experiencing the symptoms as result of an infectious illness.

Can IBS Be Treated?

As IBS must first be diagnosed through exclusion, it can take a while to finally pin the label on the problem. Even then, IBS has no known immediate cure. There are a wide range of solutions that have worked for individuals and clinical studies, however.

IBS is sometimes tied to obesity, and modification of diet and exercise can reduce symptoms. Many IBS sufferers regularly ingest foods that are triggers for symptoms; keeping a food journal and identifying these foods is extremely beneficial. Increases in high fiber foods have also proven helpful for some patients.

Other IBS sufferers swear by probiotics, beneficial bacteria ingested through supplements or food that support the digestive track. There is a large market for these products.

Other treatments for IBS include antidepressants and psychotherapy, aiming at the mind-body connection. Acupuncture, yoga, and herbal remedies are also popular.

Sound Advice

If you feel that you or someone you know is suffering from IBS, consult a medical professional for help.