Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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, diarrhoea, 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 foots or eating a large meal are especially triggers which can cause an attack)

The main symptoms associated with IBS are cramping pains, diarrhoea or constipation. Usually, a sufferer has either diarrhoea 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, 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. Due to IBS the nerves and muscles in the bowel become extra sensitive and contract when you eat.

The contractions can cause cramping and often diarrhoea after eating. The nerves may become over sensitive to the bowel stretching due to reasons such as gas and cramping, pain is usually a consequence of this. 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, 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 is where a thin tube with a camera in it is inserted into the bowel so the doctor can view the inside of the bowel for any problems you may have.

This is just a short overview of IBS use the links below to access articles and other resource information to research your exact symptoms and possible remedies.