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The Plainville Citizen — Thursday, June 28, 2012
Captivating art
health notes: Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Jeffrey Stein, MD What makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome so irritating? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, is a gastrointestinal disorder affecting over 25 million people in the United States. Approximately 10-15% of the adult population has IBS. While IBS is not a life threatening disorder, it does have the ability to significantly decrease the quality of one’s life.
Photo courtesy of Rebekah Rolle
Jeffrey Stein, MD Hartford Medical Group
265 Ellington Road,
What do we know about IBS? East Hartford, CT (860) 569-8800 IBS has no known cause. A psychological component such as anxiety or depression often accompanies the disorder. IBS affects people differently. Some individuals experience constipation whereas others experience diarrhea. Many suffer from alternating bouts of both.
Plainville residents Christine Crawford and Jason Rolle had their art work featured at the Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St. during June. Crawford’s paintings and charcoal drawings are seen on the right and Rolle’s diorama of an art museum is on the left. Rolle’s part of the exhibit also includes his photography and poetry. This is the artists’ second combined display and is titled, “Art of the Captivating”.
Risk factors and symptoms IBS is more common in females than males and is also more common under the age of 50. You should contact your primary care physician if any of the following symptoms have occurred for at least three days a month over the past three months: • Abdominal pain • Bloating • Fullness
• Loss of appetite • Unexplained weight loss • Urgency to move your bowels
• Mucus in the stool • Constipation or diarrhea
What tests are used to diagnose IBS? There are no laboratory, blood, or imaging tests to diagnose IBS. Rather, an IBS diagnosis is often confirmed by excluding or ruling out other disorders with similar symptoms such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Treatment Because the symptoms of IBS can range from mild to severe, the treatment approach recommended by your healthcare provider will vary from one individual to another and may include: • Relaxation and stress reduction • Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Medication • Probiotics • Regular exercise
Keeping a journal to identify any specific foods or events that may trigger or worsen symptoms can often be helpful. IBS is a long-term disorder with symptoms that commonly change over time. Having a knowledgeable healthcare team to help you along the way is important for helping you feel better. Hartford HealthCare’s Primary Care Network is available to help you continue doing all the things you loved doing before IBS. Together we can manage this condition.
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