Are you suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS?
If so it is important to learn as much information on irritable bowel syndrome as possible so that you understand more about the condition and so you can gain control of your life.
Irritable bowel syndrome, or commonly known as IBS, is a disease that affects the bowel, which is also called the large intestine.
The bowel is part of the digestive system that makes and stores stool. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause cramping, gas, diarrhea, bloating and constipation.
Almost 80% of people who suffer with irritable bowel syndrome are women. IBS is more commonly seen in patients from teenagers to patients in their forties. Most patients have a long standing history of being sensitive to food. IBS is best managed by a gastroenterologist.
The challenge with managing IBS is that it is a difficult disease to manage. It can profoundly impact a person’s social life because of the often uncontrollable diarrhea associated with the diagnosis. Learning the triggers of IBS symptoms are most important in helping to best control the onset of symptoms.
Information on irritable bowel syndrome is valuable tool necessary to best manage the disease. IBS is a disorder in which the bowel is not working properly. The muscles and nerves in the bowel are particularly sensitive with IBS causing a variety of symptoms. Also there are some health care providers who believe that stress is a common contributor to IBS symptoms and teach their patients stress reducing techniques in an effort to better manage the disease.
If you are experiencing chronic extreme cramping, gas, diarrhea, bloating and constipation then these symptoms would certainly be cause for a complete medical exam and might be cause for additional medical tests to be ordered by your medical provider. Initially, your physician would perform a complete physical exam, and might also requests blood test, abdominal x-rays of the abdomen and possibly a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. All of these tests are meant to either confirm or rule out the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.
IBS can be very painful and some patients often describe the disorder as embarrassing but it is helpful to remember that the disorder is not life threatening.
Gathering as much information on irritable bowel syndrome and learning how to cope with the disorder will enable you to take the necessary steps to begin to implement changes in your diet, exercise, stress levels and overall treatment.