Many people chronically suffer from abdominal cramps and bloating. They also may suffer from diarrhea or constipation, but this is hardly a topic fit for polite conversation. These symptoms may be the result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and April has been designated National IBS month as a means to educate the public about this little talked about problem.
IBS is a condition, not a disease in the typical sense. When the large intestine is examined, there are no physical or chemical abnormalities. IBS is the term used to describe the situation in which the digestive tract is not functioning as it should. In the past, IBS has been known as spastic colon, spastic bowel, or colitis. This was really an inaccurate label, as there is no inflammation of the bowel wall, and no blood in the stool.
It is estimated between 20 and 50 million Americans have IBS, and this condition accounts for 2.5 to 3.5 visits to the doctor annually. Although IBS affects people of all races, ages, and genders, nearly 2/3 of its victims are female.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known. The cause, duration, severity, and likelihood of recurrence vary from individual to individual. Many people report that the condition first appeared during or following a period of major stress. Others develop the condition after recovering from a gastrointestinal infection or abdominal surgery. Sometimes, sensitivity to a certain type of food can result in IBS. In the majority of cases, stress and dietary habits appear to be directly related to the onset, recurrence, and severity of the symptoms.
IBS is classified as a Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder, which is the general category for conditions characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that occur in the absence of an anatomical or chemical abnormality. Symptoms commonly associated with IBS include bloating, gassiness, abdominal cramps, and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, or a combination of the two. While most symptoms occur below the navel, some people report symptoms that are not related to the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, fatigue, and a sense of urinary urgency. Symptoms can range in severity from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, resulting in lost work (people with IBS missed more than 3 times as many work days as those without IBS. according to one source.), missed social occasions, and the inability to travel.
Treatment of IBS, as in all other aspects of this condition, is highly individualized. Trial and error is often the method used to manage the symptoms, and may include lifestyle changes, medication, and psychological treatment. Medications may include anti-spasmodic drugs, such as smooth muscle relaxants, anti-diarrhea drugs, antidepressants, and antacids and anti-gas medications. Typical lifestyle changes include stress reduction, dietary changes such as increasing fiber and avoiding foods known to cause symptoms, drinking plenty of liquids, and increasing the level of physical exercise. Stress reduction can be accomplished with the help of counseling, meditation and relaxation therapy, hypnosis, massage therapy, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy.
The good news about IBS is that it is not a life-threatening disorder. It does not lead to colon or rectal cancer. In fact, some believe people with IBS are more likely to be aware of bowel health and cancer prevention because of their condition, and thus less likely to be at risk of developing cancer. The bad news is that it diminishes the quality of life, increases worker absenteeism, leads to higher rates of abdominal surgeries than found in other forms of gastrointestinal illnesses, and results in higher rates of hospitalizations. Fortunately for some people, IBS does go away. But over 50% of individuals with IBS remained symptomatic for over 5 years.
Because no sign of disease can be found in cases of IBS, some doctors view this condition as a minor annoyance and may not give the disorder the medical attention it deserves. But most physicians do recognize the importance of treating the symptoms. This is usually done after some tests have been performed to rule out the existence of other diseases. Most people are able to design a treatment program with their doctor that enables them to manage the condition with the help of certain medications, dietary changes, and stress management. If you or anyone you know suffers from the symptoms of IBS, talk with your physician and get help. You do not have to suffer in silence.