Irritable Bowel Symptoms
It is estimated that between 15 and 20 percent of the world's population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract.
It generally affects people between the ages of 15 and 40; however, IBS symptoms can develop at any age.
IBS is the most common disorder diagnosed by Gastroenterologists (stomach doctors) and Primary Care physicians.
IBS is sometimes referred to as spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous stomach or irritable colon.
The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, which some people describe as cramping or achiness in the lower portion of their abdomen.
The pain may be mild or severe, and may improve or worsen when eating, or after a bowel movement.
Other IBS symptoms include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating of the abdomen and excess gas.
Some people experience a sense of fullness; others feel as if their stomach is extended and hard.
For the majority of people with IBS, symptoms are relatively mild and range from abdominal cramps, to bloating and diarrhea.
People with severe IBS symptoms generally experience intense abdominal pain, constipation or chronic diarrhea.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of IBS symptoms [http://www.
my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.
com] is the frequency of feeling that one must urgently empty their bowels.
People with IBS report feeling the need to use the restroom between 10 and 30 times per day.
The disorder oftentimes interferes with people's lifestyle, as they must always be near a restroom.
Women are more likely to suffer from constipation than diarrhea.
Oftentimes, the pain associated with IBS symptoms increases during a woman's menstrual cycle.
In addition to painful periods, women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse.
Food can trigger IBS symptoms [http://www.
my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.
com].
Experts recommend consuming an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diet to assist in the management of symptoms.
They suggest total elimination of all meat, except fish and skinless white poultry meat; and all dairy products and eggs.
Some individuals with IBS also suffer from food allergies; particularly from wheat gluten and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Stress is a known IBS trigger.
Some IBS sufferers report using meditation or yoga to help manage both stress and IBS symptoms.
Biofeedback is a useful stress management tool and may also help alleviate IBS symptoms.
IBS symptoms include:
IBS symptoms can become difficult to manage and can lead to feelings of angst and overwhelm.
Not only is IBS a physically painful disorder, it can also become emotionally and mentally painful.
It's important to seek help and talk to those who understand your situation.
This could include healthcare practitioners, family, friends, clergy, or support groups.
It's also important to realize that IBS symptoms can be managed.
Educate yourself on the options available and seek the advice of qualified professionals.
For most, learning how foods affect IBS symptoms is the best treatment.
IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract.
It generally affects people between the ages of 15 and 40; however, IBS symptoms can develop at any age.
IBS is the most common disorder diagnosed by Gastroenterologists (stomach doctors) and Primary Care physicians.
IBS is sometimes referred to as spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous stomach or irritable colon.
The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, which some people describe as cramping or achiness in the lower portion of their abdomen.
The pain may be mild or severe, and may improve or worsen when eating, or after a bowel movement.
Other IBS symptoms include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating of the abdomen and excess gas.
Some people experience a sense of fullness; others feel as if their stomach is extended and hard.
For the majority of people with IBS, symptoms are relatively mild and range from abdominal cramps, to bloating and diarrhea.
People with severe IBS symptoms generally experience intense abdominal pain, constipation or chronic diarrhea.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of IBS symptoms [http://www.
my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.
com] is the frequency of feeling that one must urgently empty their bowels.
People with IBS report feeling the need to use the restroom between 10 and 30 times per day.
The disorder oftentimes interferes with people's lifestyle, as they must always be near a restroom.
Women are more likely to suffer from constipation than diarrhea.
Oftentimes, the pain associated with IBS symptoms increases during a woman's menstrual cycle.
In addition to painful periods, women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse.
Food can trigger IBS symptoms [http://www.
my-irritable-bowel-syndrome.
com].
Experts recommend consuming an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diet to assist in the management of symptoms.
They suggest total elimination of all meat, except fish and skinless white poultry meat; and all dairy products and eggs.
Some individuals with IBS also suffer from food allergies; particularly from wheat gluten and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Stress is a known IBS trigger.
Some IBS sufferers report using meditation or yoga to help manage both stress and IBS symptoms.
Biofeedback is a useful stress management tool and may also help alleviate IBS symptoms.
IBS symptoms include:
- Chronic and frequent diarrhea or constipation, usually accompanied by pain
- Abdominal pain or tenderness, fullness, gas, bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
IBS symptoms can become difficult to manage and can lead to feelings of angst and overwhelm.
Not only is IBS a physically painful disorder, it can also become emotionally and mentally painful.
It's important to seek help and talk to those who understand your situation.
This could include healthcare practitioners, family, friends, clergy, or support groups.
It's also important to realize that IBS symptoms can be managed.
Educate yourself on the options available and seek the advice of qualified professionals.
For most, learning how foods affect IBS symptoms is the best treatment.
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