What is IBS?
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common intestinal
digestive disorder with varying symptoms which can be
persistent or periodic. IBS affects both men and women,
and symptoms are usually not gender-specific; however,
most people who suffer from IBS
are women. Irritable Bowel Syndrome usually occurs in people from their teenage years to early 40s.
What causes IBS?
The cause
of IBS is not fully known, although half of all people who suffer from it may mark the start of their symptoms to a major life event
such as moving to a new house, changing jobs or experiencing unusual personal stress.
What are the main symptoms of IBS?
There
are many symptoms for IBS which people report regularly. Most often, several symptoms occur simultaneously and are more recently defined
primarily as IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant) and IBS-C (Constipation predominant). Those with IBS-D have frequent, loose, watery bowel
movements and usually experience an immediate need to pass their stool; this urge may be difficult to control, and “accidents” are
common. People with IBS-C have a difficult time with bowel movements and also have them less often. They usually strain and cramp
during a bowel movement and may pass little or no stool at all, even after trying. Painful cramps are usually in the lower half of
the abdomen, are often made worse after eating and only relieved after a bowel movement.
The most general symptoms of Irritable
Bowel Syndrome are as follows:
· Abdominal pain
· Abdominal cramping
· Abdominal discomfort
· Changes in bowel movements
· Fullness
· Gas
· Bloating
· Constipation
· Diarrhea (can be severe)
· Alternating constipation and diarrhea
· Constant urge to have a bowel movement
· Change in stools (harder, looser, thinner, or
softer than usual)
· Incomplete evacuation
· Upset stomach
· Distension of the abdomen (that is visible)
· Loss of appetite
· Mucus in the stool