Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

IBS is a common disorder and happens more often in women than men. No one knows the exact cause of IBS. There is no specific test for IBS. However, your doctor may run tests to be sure you don't have other diseases. These tests may include stool sampling tests, blood tests and x-rays. Your doctor may also do a test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms with diet, stress management and medicine.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Wikipedia

In medicine (gastroenterology), '''irritable bowel syndrome''' ('''IBS''') or '''spastic colon''' is a group of functional bowel disorders which are fairly common and make up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. There are three forms, dependant on which symptom predominates: ''diarrhea-predominant'' (IBS-D), ''constipation-predominant'' (IBS-C) and IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A).

Features

''Symptoms'' of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits in the absence of any structural abnormality. Colonic hypersensitivity is a sensitive but less specific ''sign'' of IBS. The pain is typically relieved by defecating. There appears to be an overlap of IBS with stress (medicine), chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and various mental disorders (in a small minority). While no good explanation for this phenomenon exists, it does strengthen the view that there is a neurology component to IBS.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria

According to the Rome II consensus conference of the American Gastroenterological Association and international medical societies on functional bowel disorders, the diagnosis of IBS can be made when the following criteria are fulfilled: At least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has 2 of 3 features: #Relieved with defecation; and/or #Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or #Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool. Symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS *Abnormal stool frequency (for research purposes, “abnormal” may be defined as greater than 3 bowel movements per day and less than 3 bowel movements per week); *Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool); *Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation); *Passage of mucus; *Bloating ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Mind-Body Connection - Authored by William B. Salt II, MD. A method for healing combining science with a mind, body, spirit approach.

IBS Audio Program 100 - Offering a hypnotherapy process clinically designed for sufferers of all variations of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The IBS Audio Program 100 - The home course in hypnotherapy, clinically designed to alleviate your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.

Ibsacol - A natural dietary supplement treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Mind-Body Health - Information and research into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), irritable bowel syndrome, and the relationship between mental attitude, lifestyle and physical health.

About Digestion and Crohn's Disease - Doctor-produced, peer-reviewed articles about Crohn's, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and related conditions.

AllExperts Irritable Bowel/Crohn`s Disease Q&A - Experts volunteer to answer questions related to irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn`s disease .

Lactose.co.uk - About symptoms, causes, milk alternatives, dairy-free recipes, and other related topics, including Irritable Bowels Syndrome. Promotes several books on lactose intolerance and milk allergy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQs - IBS frequently asked questions by Laura Zurawski and Dr. Anthony Lembo.

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Information about the causes, characteristics, and treatment of this common disorder.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome