Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause cancer. Unlike inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that affects the function of the bowel, causing abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea and abnormal stool form.
Approximately 20 percent of adult Americans have symptoms of IBS. The condition is more common in women and usually starts before the age of 35 in about half of people. The exact cause of IBS is not known, but it can be made worse by:
- A large meal
- Some foods, including chocolate, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, milk products, wheat, rye, barley, carbonated beverages, and, for some people, certain fruits or vegetables
- Stressful situations, emotional upsets or conflict
- Menstrual periods
The diagnosis of IBS is made through the process of elimination because there is no specific test for the disorder. After a comprehensive medical history is taken and physical exam is completed, several diagnostic tests may be ordered to rule out other problems. These tests can include testing stool samples and blood, X-rays, lactose intolerance testing, and a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look inside the colon. Symptoms such as bleeding, fever, weight loss, or constant severe pain are not associated with IBS and may point to other problems. If test results are negative, IBS may be confirmed based on symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort that lasts at least 12 weeks out of the previous year (the weeks do not have to be consecutive)
- Change in frequency or appearance of bowel movements
- Abdominal pain or discomfort that is relieved after a bowel movement
- Problems passing stool
- Mucus in the stool
- Bloating
There is currently no cure for IBS, but it may be treated through lifestyle modifications, medications or dietary changes. Stress management options that may help reduce symptoms include relaxation therapies such as meditation, counseling, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Several different medications are available to treat various symptoms of IBS, including medicines to help control diarrhea or ease depression, and anticholinergics to relieve bowel spasms. Taking fiber supplements may help control constipation and drinking plenty of water is important for people with diarrhea. Eating smaller meals more often, rather than three large meals a day, also may help lessen IBS symptoms. Cutting out carbonated beverages, salads, raw fruits and vegetables, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower may be recommended for people who have problems with bloating or passing gas.
Many people do not seek treatment for IBS because talking about it may be embarrassing. But you do not have to live with the discomfort of IBS. The condition may be controlled so it does not impact your daily life or limit your ability to work. For more information about IBS, talk with your doctor or visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website at
www.niddk.nih.gov.
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