| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder
that causes:
- crampy pain
- gassiness
- bloating
- changes in bowel habits
IBS has inaccurately been called by many names:
- colitis
- mucous colitis
- spastic colon
- spastic bowel
- functional bowel disease
IBS is called a functional disorder because there is no
sign of disease when the colon is examined. Because physicians have been unable to find an
organic cause, IBS often has been thought to be caused by emotional conflict or stress.
While stress may worsen IBS symptoms, research suggests that other factors also are
important.
IBS often causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it is not
believed to:
- cause permanent harm to the intestines.
- lead to intestinal bleeding of the bowel.
- lead to a serious disease such as cancer.
It has not been shown to lead to serious, organic diseases nor has a
link been established between IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease
or ulcerative colitis.
How does IBS occur?
Colon motility is contraction of intestinal muscles and movement of its
contents. It is controlled by nerves and hormones, and by electrical activity in the colon
muscle. Movements of the colon propel the contents slowly back and forth toward the
rectum, and several times a day strong muscle contractions move down the colon pushing
fecal material ahead of them,which can result in a bowel movement.
The person with IBS has a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than
usual, so it responds strongly to stimuli that would not affect others. The colon muscle
of a person with IBS begins to spasm after only mild stimulation or ordinary events such
as:
- eating
- distention from gas or other material in the colon
- certain medicines
- certain foods
Women with IBS seem to have more symptoms during their menstrual
periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can increase IBS symptoms.
What are triggers for IBS?
The most likely triggers for IBS are diet and emotional stress. Scientists
have some clues as to why this happens.
- diet
Eating causes contractions of the colon, normally causing an urge to have a bowel
movement within 30 to 60 minutes after a meal. With IBS, the urge may come sooner,
accompanied by cramps and diarrhea.
- stress
Stress stimulates colonic spasm in people with IBS. Although not completely
understood, it is believed to be because the colon is partly controlled by the nervous
system. Counseling and stress reduction techniques can help relieve the symptoms of IBS,
however this does not mean IBS is the result of a personality disorder. It is at least
partly a disorder of colon motility.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
The following are the most common symptoms for IBS, however, each individual may
experience symptoms differently.
IBS symptoms usually include:
- crampy abdominal pain
- painful constipation and/or diarrhea.
- alternating constipation and diarrhea
- mucus may be in the bowel movement
Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain are not
symptoms of IBS, but indicate other problems. The symptoms of IBS may resemble
other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for IBS:
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- changes in diet
Eating a proper diet can lessen IBS symptoms. Keeping a list of foods that cause distress
and discussing the findings with a physician or registered dietitian can help.
- medication
Physicians may prescribe fiber supplements or occasional laxatives,
and some prescribe antispasmodic drugs or tranquilizers or antidepressants to relieve
symptoms.
The major concerns with medications for IBS are the potential for drug
dependency and the effects the disorder can have on lifestyle. In an effort to control
their bowels or reduce stress, some people become dependent on laxatives or tranquilizers.
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