What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a common disorder affecting the intestine (especially the colon / large intestine). It affects about 10-15 percent of people in North America.
All in all, it is perfectly normal to have digestive issues every once in a while. But people with irritable bowel syndrome may have digestive problems (such as diarrhea and abdominal pain) more often than usual, and symptoms often come and go.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition - most patients experience it for life. There are a lot of issues that we can explore when we talk about the digestive issue. Here are some common facts about irritable bowel syndrome that you should know.
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| Important 5 Facts About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
Diagnosed with IBS
There is no specific test to screen and diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. Generally, doctors make a diagnosis based on a description of the symptoms. Therefore, if you are wondering whether or not you suffer from this syndrome, it is important to be specific and honest about the symptoms or problems you are experiencing.
However, your doctor may sometimes ask you to run some tests if needed to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms of IBS?
The main symptoms are abdominal discomfort and pain associated with a change in bowel habit. Other common symptoms are bloating, diarrhea, constipation or alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Symptoms usually occur after eating certain foods and during stress. Spastic colon sometimes coexists with anxiety or depression!
The exact cause of IBS
Unfortunately, experts are still unable to provide the answer with certainty for the exact cause of this syndrome. However, there are some theories.
One theory revolves around the wrong way the signals are located between the brain and the gut. Some studies have confirmed that there is a relationship between the brain and the gut. But in patients with this syndrome, the cause of poor communication between the brain and the gut remains a mystery.
Precocious puberty is most at risk for IBS - is this true?
Irritable bowel syndrome can occur at any age, but it often begins developing in the teen years (especially before age 35) - according to the Mayo Clinic. It is very rare in people over the age of 50.
Conditions that increase the risk of IBS are:
Family history of irritable bowel syndrome
People who have a first-degree relative (such as a brother and father) with this syndrome are more likely to have the same condition
Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women than in men.
Is irritable bowel syndrome curable or not treatable?
Most experts argue that it cannot be cured - although there are some people who report success with treating IBS. Symptoms can be eased, but there is a chance to return one day.
The good news is, this chronic condition does not cause permanent damage to the intestine and will not usually put your life at risk. .It also does not increase the risk of other serious health problems (such as colon and rectal cancer) - according to some studies published in the National Institutes of Health.
The lifestyle of an IBS patient
However, this can have a significant impact on the patient's lifestyle. During urgent / recurring bouts of diarrhea, the patient may find it difficult to travel or work. Symptoms can appear at any time, and this may affect the patient's confidence in socializing or attending an event in public. Fortunately, symptoms can be controlled with the right strategies (such as stress management, moderate exercise, and some dietary changes)
