IBS Definition

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS is an illness that mainly affects the bowel or large intestine, (the bowel is an integral part of the digestive system which stores stools).

There are a number of symptoms involved with IBS hence the term ‘syndrome.’ Symptoms include cramping, bloating, diarrhea, gas and constipation. Women who have IBS often develop more symptoms during their menstrual periods when the cramping can become very painful.

Although emotional stress does not cause IBS, it can trigger symptoms if a person already suffers from the syndrome. The bowel can overreact due to many reasons including hormones, exercise and food (milk products, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, fatty foods or eating a large meal)

The main symptoms associated with IBS are cramping pains, diarrhea or constipation. Usually, a sufferer has either diarrhea or constipation although some people suffer with both. Other symptoms can include mucus in the stool, the feeling that they have not finished a bowel movement or a swollen and bloated abdomen.

IBS can be diagnosed by a doctor who will make an assessment from your symptoms. There may be medical tests performed to ensure that you are not suffering from another disease, as there are some gut diseases which mimic the symptoms of IBS. IBS is a functional disorder rather than a disease, meaning that the bowel does not work properly. When you have IBS the nerves and muscles in the bowel become extra sensitive and contract when you eat.

The contractions can cause cramping and sometimes diarrhea after eating. The nerves may become over-sensitive to the bowel stretching due to gas and cramping. Pain is usually a consequence of this action. Although IBS is painful, it does not damage the bowel or cause any other diseases.

Medical tests for IBS include a physical examination, blood tests, and an X-ray of the bowel known as a barium enema or lower gastrointestinal series (GI). The Barium consists of a thick liquid that make the bowel more visible during an X-ray. The Barium will be inserted into the bowel via the anus before the X-ray is performed.

An endoscopy may also be performed where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bowel so the doctor can view the inside of the bowel.

Although there is no cure for IBS, certain things can be done to relieve the symptoms. Treatment may include dietary changes, medications or stress relief exercises. Your doctor may advise you to try a combination of treatments to see which works best for you.

Dietary changes may be necessary and certain foods avoided such as high fat (i.e.,French fries), milk products, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and chocolate. A food diary should be kept so one can keep track of what foods are causing flare-ups.