What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? What are the Symptoms of IBS?

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Main Category: Irritable-Bowel Syndrome
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 20 Feb 2009 - 18:00 PST

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IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), sometimes called spastic colon, is a functional bowel disorder that affects 30% of us at some time in our lives. 10% of people get it so badly that they need to seek medical help. If you suspect you may have IBS you should seek confirmation from a qualified doctor.

Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, a common theory is that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder in the interaction between the brain and gastrointestinal tract. However, there may also be abnormalities in the immune system or gut flora that contribute to this condition.

The most common symptoms for IBS are:

• Abdominal pain, stomach cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloated Stomach
• Noisy tummy
• Wind (flatulence)
• Digestion is too quick or too slow
• General feeling of being unwell (as a result of a combination of symptoms listed here)
• Dizziness
• Sickness (wanting to vomit)
• Backaches

Some people get IBS so badly that they are unable to work. Many complain of not having a social life because of it. Several IBS patients find the ordeal so debilitating that they have to take anti-depressants.

There is no cure for IBS; however there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. These include psychological interventions, medication and dietary changes. A number of IBS patients have managed to identify the source of their problem as food intolerance (they are allergic to certain foods). Identifying the food(s) can be done in various ways, one of which is with an elimination diet. One of the more common foods seems to be wheat (according to people who write in to Medical News Today).

Many people have written to us saying their IBS starting during, or shortly after, a stressful period in their lives (divorce, sudden unemployment, death in the family, academic exams).

Recommended web site for further information and help: IBS Network (www.ibsnetwork.org.uk)

Written by: Christian Nordqvist

Original article date: 3 February 2006
Article updated: 20 February 2009

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