Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the intestines which usually consists of diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas, bloating, cramping and abdominal pain. The most common names for irritable bowel syndrome are known as bowel disease, spastic colon and mucous colitis.
Normal digestion occurs when the muscles in the intestines contract to move food and waste through the body. Irritable bowel syndrome is usually caused by those muscles contracting harder and longer than in a normal person without the syndrome. Doctors usually diagnose a person with irritable bowel syndrome after several tests have ruled out more serious problems.
Normal digestion occurs when the muscles in the intestines contract to move food and waste through the body. Irritable bowel syndrome is usually caused by those muscles contracting harder and longer than in a normal person without the syndrome. Doctors usually diagnose a person with irritable bowel syndrome after several tests have ruled out more serious problems.
Diets in whole grains, high in fiber, fruit, and low in fats provide some IBS sufferers ample IBS relief without the use of supplements or prescription medication. Foods that contain caffeine, like coffee and chocolate, should be avoided by IBS sufferers because they can over stimulate the lining of their colons and produce excess bloating, gas, and cramps. Those prone to diarrhea may find an increase in this symptom after caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulate and not good for promoting IBS relief. Also sufferers with allergies to any food " in particular wheat, egg, and dairy, should limit or avoid foods containing these ingredients. These foods hinder IBS relief by aggravating the lining of the colon just as caffeine does. Alcohol should be avoided, as well.
The best way to determine if you have spastic colon is to see your doctor. He or she will ask you questions such as when your symptoms started, their intensity and when they tend to ease and worsen. Based on your answers, the doctor will be able to make a clear diagnosis of spastic colon.
Stress is another possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Even though stress in and of itself might not be the cause, it can aggravate the symptoms during periods of higher stress and while a person is trying to adapt to a significant change in their life. Half of people who will deal with irritable bowel syndrome are under 35 years of age and young women are more at risk. Women may be more at risk because of hormonal changes related to menstruation.
IBS is not generally considered to be a life threatening
The best way to determine if you have spastic colon is to see your doctor. He or she will ask you questions such as when your symptoms started, their intensity and when they tend to ease and worsen. Based on your answers, the doctor will be able to make a clear diagnosis of spastic colon.
Stress is another possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Even though stress in and of itself might not be the cause, it can aggravate the symptoms during periods of higher stress and while a person is trying to adapt to a significant change in their life. Half of people who will deal with irritable bowel syndrome are under 35 years of age and young women are more at risk. Women may be more at risk because of hormonal changes related to menstruation.
IBS is not generally considered to be a life threatening
The best way to determine if you have spastic colon is to see your doctor. He or she will ask you questions such as when your symptoms started, their intensity and when they tend to ease and worsen. Based on your answers, the doctor will be able to make a clear diagnosis of spastic colon.
Stress is another possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Even though stress in and of itself might not be the cause, it can aggravate the symptoms during periods of higher stress and while a person is trying to adapt to a significant change in their life. Half of people who will deal with irritable bowel syndrome are under 35 years of age and young women are more at risk. Women may be more at risk because of hormonal changes related to menstruation.
IBS is not generally considered to be a life threatening disease and is one that can be treated quite successfully when properly diagnosed. It has been shown when treatments are specifically tailored to the specific form of IBS the IBS symptoms can normally be resolved. A specific diagnosis of the disease, therefore, is the most important factor in helping a patient cope with IBS and its symptoms.
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Stress is another possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Even though stress in and of itself might not be the cause, it can aggravate the symptoms during periods of higher stress and while a person is trying to adapt to a significant change in their life. Half of people who will deal with irritable bowel syndrome are under 35 years of age and young women are more at risk. Women may be more at risk because of hormonal changes related to menstruation.
IBS is not generally considered to be a life threatening disease and is one that can be treated quite successfully when properly diagnosed. It has been shown when treatments are specifically tailored to the specific form of IBS the IBS symptoms can normally be resolved. A specific diagnosis of the disease, therefore, is the most important factor in helping a patient cope with IBS and its symptoms.
About the Author:
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