All about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  causes of irritable bowel syndrome risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome symptoms diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome treatment for irritable bowel syndrome irritable bowel syndrome diet medications to cure irritable bowel syndrome stress management for irritable bowel syndrome |
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What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
The primary purpose of the gastrointestinal tract is to digest (break down) and absorb (take into the blood stream) food. 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. Depending on the kind of discomfort and bowel habits, IBS is also known as spastic colon, and can be subclassified into diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) and IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). Typical is the overlap of irritable bowel syndrome with chronic pelvic pain (this is probably due to misdiagnosis by the gynaecologist), fibromyalgia and mental disorder. 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. |
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More information on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a intestinal condition characterized by abdominal pain and cramps, changes in bowel movements, gassiness, bloating, nausea, and other symptoms.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome? - An abnormality in digestion and propulsion process cause irritable bowel syndrome. Nerve-signalling chemicals, particularly serotonin, and stress appear to have an important role.
What're the risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome? - Stress stimulates colonic spasm in people with IBS. Female reproductive hormones are another trigger of irritable bowel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of IBS? - Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits in the absence of any structural abnormality.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed? - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed with colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), abdominal ultrasound, blood tests.
What's the treatment for irritable bowel syndrome? - Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome can consist of dietary advice, stool softeners and laxatives in obstipation-predominant, and antidiarrheals (loperamide) in diarrhea-predominant IBS.
What irritable bowel syndrome diet is suggested? - Fiber supplementation may improve symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Avoid food or beverages that make the symptoms worse.
What medications cure irritable bowel syndrome? - Antispasmodic medicines are used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Antidiarrheal medications are used when diarrhea is a major feature of IBS.
Stress management for irritable bowel syndrome - Situations such as family problems, work stress, exams, etc, may trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some people. |
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