Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is not a disease. It is classified as a “functional” bowel disorder, which means there is poor functioning within the digestive system. In terms of IBS, the dysfunction may be related to the sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines; the movement of the intestines; or the way the brain controls these functions.
IBS is diagnosed using criteria known as Rome II. This criterion requires a review of the patient’s bowel movements; bowel movements (color, shape, consistency and frequency); severity and frequency of abdominal pain; fever; weight loss or weight gain; and sleep interference due to IBS symptoms. In addition to meeting the Rome II criteria, patients will need to undergo laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, a basic chemistry panel, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
There are no diagnostic tests available to specifically diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. Instead, tests are done to rule out other diseases or disorders whose symptoms resemble those of IBS. Once it has been determined that there are no other problems, doctors will use the Rome II criteria to look for any “red flag” symptoms.
Research has shown that people with irritable bowel syndrome [http://www.my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.com] they do not have a normal gastrocolic reflex response. IBS symptoms are believed to be the result of what appears to be a disruption of communication within the digestive tract. This could be due to a disturbance in the interaction between the gut (s) and the brain, or between the gut (s) and the autonomic system that controls the regulation of gut function.
Irritable bowel syndrome leaves people feeling like their stomach is “in knots” and is characterized by recurring bouts of constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms can be caused by food, exercise, medications, dietary supplements, stress, and hormonal changes.
Almost 80 percent of the people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome are women. It is estimated that almost 15 percent of adults experience IBS symptoms at some point in their lives. The onset of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 40; however, it can also affect infants, children, and the elderly. Irritable bowel syndrome often appears during periods of significant stress or life changes; namely; divorce, death, going to college.
Currently, there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome. Treatments generally focus on alleviating symptoms and include high-fiber diets or antispasmodic medications to relieve constipation, or antidiarrheal medications to relieve diarrhea.
People with irritable bowel syndrome generally find relief by changing their diet. Experts recommend eliminating high-fat foods, most meats and dairy products, egg yolks, processed foods, sugar, flour, wheat, tobacco, and alcohol. Others suggest increasing dietary fiber and reducing carbohydrates.
Eating foods rich in grains and protein can be beneficial. The use of digestive enzyme supplements has been shown to be effective in controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Yoga and meditation or other stress reduction techniques can be helpful in reducing IBS symptoms. Some people with IBS report that a daily walking or water aerobics program helps them better control their symptoms.
Although irritable bowel syndrome [http://www.my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.com] It can be a frustrating and complex disorder, most of the time symptoms can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. Consult with a nutritionist or qualified healthcare professional to determine the best diet program for you.
