Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
What is irritable bowel
syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) is a problem with the intestines. In people with IBS, the intestines
squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly
or too slowly through the intestines. (The large intestine is also called
the colon.)
IBS
is also called functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic
bowel and spastic colon. It's not the same as inflammatory bowel diseases
like ulcerative colitis.
What causes IBS?
The underlying cause
of this disorder is an abnormality in the way the intestinal muscles contract.
These muscles, which form the outer layer of the intestine, work automatically
to move food products along the intestine to the rectum and out the anus.
IBS is a disorder of the function of the intestinal muscles. Even when
the muscles appear normal under a microscope, they may not function normally,
contracting too forcefully or weakly, too slowly or rapidly, at certain
times. Although there is no physical obstruction, a patient may perceive
cramps or functional blockage
What are the symptoms
of IBS?
The following lists common
symptoms of IBS.
The symptoms may get
worse when you're under stress, such as when you travel, attend social
events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if
you don't eat right or after you've eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered
by certain foods. Women who have IBS may notice symptoms during their menstrual
periods.
Common symptoms of IBS
Bloating and gas
Constipation
Diarrhea, especially
after eating or first thing in the morning
Feeling like you still
need to have a bowel movement after you've already had one
Feeling a strong urge
to have a bowel movement
Abdominal pain and cramping
that may go away after having a bowel movement
How is IBS diagnosed?
Your doctor may start
by asking you questions about your symptoms. If your symptoms have had
a pattern over time, the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that
IBS is the cause.
If your symptoms have
just started, something else may be the cause. Your doctor may need to
do some tests to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by something
other than IBS.
How is IBS treated?
The best way to handle
IBS is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse
and find ways to handle your stress.
Why may fiber be helpful?
Fiber can be helpful
because it improves how the intestines work. There are 2 types of fiber:
soluble and insoluble. (Soluble means it dissolves in liquid.) Soluble
fiber helps both diarrhea and constipation. Insoluble fiber may make diarrhea
worse.
Insoluble fiber is in
fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Psyllium (a natural
vegetable fiber) and oat bran are soluble fibers. You can buy psyllium
(some brand names: Fiberall, Metamucil, Perdiem) at the store. Oat bran
is in some cereals, bread or muffins. You can also add it to other foods.
Increase the fiber in
your diet slowly. Some people feel bloated and have gas if they increase
how much fiber they eat too quickly. Gas and bloating usually improve as
you get used to eating more fiber.
Do certain foods cause IBS?
No. Foods don't cause
IBS. But some foods may make you feel worse. Foods that may make symptoms
worse include foods high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can cause
your intestines to contract, which may cause cramping. If gas is a problem
for you, you might want to avoid foods that tend to make gas worse. These
include beans, cabbage and some fruits.
Keeping a diary of what
you eat and what your symptoms are for a few weeks may be a good way to
find out if a food bothers you. If you think a food makes you feel worse,
try not eating it. But don't cut out foods unless they have caused you
problems more than once.
What about milk and milk
products?
If milk and other dairy
products bother you, you may have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance
means that your body can't digest the sugar in milk. This sugar is called
lactose.
Dairy products may seem
to make IBS symptoms worse if you're lactose intolerant. If this seems
to be the case, you may need to limit the amount of milk and milk products
in your diet. Talk to your family doctor if you think you have trouble
digesting dairy products.
Tips on controlling
IBS
Eat a varied diet and
avoid foods high in fat.
Drink plenty of water.
Try eating 6 small meals
a day rather than 3 larger ones.
Learn new and better
ways to deal with your stress.
Avoid using laxatives.
You may become dependent on them and
your intestines may become
weakened.
from: The “AAFP Family Health
Facts” series
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