What are the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine.

This disorder causes abdomen pain, bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea and constipation. This disorder is a chronic problem that will need to be treated and managed for a long period of time.

Although the symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome are uncomfortable and painful it does not harm the intestines. Very few people with irritable bowel syndrome have very severe symptoms. In few people these symptoms can be controlled by making changes in the diet, lifestyle and controlling stress levels. And the others who don’t get any relief with these changes will need to take medications.

IBS is a very common problem that affects two times more women than men and is more likely to affect people who are less than 45 years of age. It is difficult to understand the actual cause of this disorder and there is no particular test to diagnose this problem. The doctor conducts few tests to confirm that the patient is suffering from IBS and does not have any other illness.

Symptoms of IBS: Ever person may have different symptoms due to irritable bowel syndrome and the severity of these symptoms will also differ. Some of the common symptoms that most of the people suffer from due to IBS are; 

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Cramping or pain in the abdomen – The pain will keep coming and going and can occur in any part of the abdomen. The pain will last for some period of time and there is some relief from pain usually after passing motions or wind. The severity of the pain will vary from person to person and be different at different times.

Bloating & gas formation – Bloating and passing of wind will be more than usual in people who suffer from IBS. Changes in the motions – Some people may experience bouts of diarrhea or constipation. In few there will be alternative bouts of diarrhea and constipation. The motions may at times be watery and sometimes there can be mucus in the motions.

Some of the other symptoms also include;     

Nausea Headache Fatigue Loss of appetite Back pain

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Muscle pain Feeling full quickly Heartburn

Very few people seek medical guidance from the doctor when they suffer from symptoms caused by IBS. But it is advisable to meet a doctor if there is a consistent change in bowel habits and if a person suffers from some other symptoms related to IBS since it can be an indication of a serious condition like colon cancer. Some of the signs of a serious condition which need emergency medical assistance are;   

Rectal bleeding Severe pain in the abdomen that increases in the night Weight loss

Causes of IBS: The exact reason of IBS is not known but a number of factors together cause this disorder. It has a connection with over activity of a part or some parts of the gut. The gut is a tube which is connected from the mouth of the person to the anus. The small and large intestines are a part of this gut which is in the abdomen. The food that is eaten passes through this tube and there are normal contractions of the muscles in the lining of the gut. A person experience pain and other symptoms when the contractions are not normal.

Basis the location of the over activity in the gut the person will suffer from diarrhea or constipation. Some of the factors that can trigger the symptoms caused due to IBS are; 

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Stress - The symptoms and signs of IBS worsen when a person is suffering from some kind of stress or anxiety. This is because when the stress levels are high there is a poor coordination of signals sent from the brain to the gut due to which the symptoms become more severe.

Hormonal Changes – The reason women are more prone to suffering from IBS is the hormonal changes that take place within their body.

The symptoms worsen during the menstrual cycle of a woman.

Food intolerance - Certain type of food can aggravate the symptoms so one must avoid eating such food.

Bacteria or some infection in the gut Abnormalities in the gastrointestinal nervous system

Risk factors of IBS: People who are more at risk of suffering from IBS are;

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Who are young, below the age of 45 Who have a family history of IBS Who suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, personality disorder or who have been victims to some sexual abuse during childhood And women

Complications associated with IBS: The main two symptoms or irritable bowel syndrome are diarrhea and constipation and this can worsen hemorrhoids. Also by avoiding certain food that trigger IBS can reduce the sufficient nutrients a person needs and can also cause malnourishment.

Above all by following the preventing measures to control the symptoms of IBS may have an overall impact on the quality of life. The people suffering from IBS will feel that they are not enjoying their life completely and get demotivated or depressed.

Home remedies for treating IBS: Irritable bowel syndrome in most of the cases can be controlled with some lifestyle and dietary changes. 

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Include fiber in the diet as this helps to reduce constipation. But the fiber content in the diet must be gradually increased since fiber in food can also at times worsen the gas and cramping symptoms. So give the body time to adjust to the fiber food. Some of the foods that contain fiber are whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. One can also take fiber supplements as this does not cause too much of gas or bloating.

Avoid eating food that worsen the symptoms, which include - fats, fruits, broccoli, flower vegetables, dairy products, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, etc.

Eat at regular intervals and avoid skipping meals. Try to eat in more or less the same time intervals daily to regulate the bowel function.

Avoid dairy products if it is aggravating the symptoms and one can start taking yogurt instead of milk. And in cases if one has to completely avoid dairy products substitute this with other foods that give necessary proteins, calcium and vitamin B. Drink lot of fluids everyday Exercise regularly