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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the intestines in which food passes either too quickly or too slowly through the digestive tract.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is part of a spectrum of diseases known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders which include diseases such as noncardiac chest pain, nonulcer dyspepsia, and chronic constipation or diarrhea. These diseases are all characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms for which no structural or biochemical cause can be found.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is part of a family of diseases known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. These diseases all have chronic or recurring gastrointestinal symptoms that have no structural or biochemical cause. IBS is a functional disease of the digestive system that includes excessive diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and painful cramping
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestine that leads to crampy pain, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation, others have diarrhea, and some people experience both. Sometimes a person with IBS has the urge to move the bowels but cannot do so. The cause of IBS is unknown and while there is no cure, effective treatment is available.
Source: www.bmc.org

How common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It is more common in women than in men. The ratio is two to one. No one knows the true prevalence globally because up to 43% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers wait ten years before visiting their family physician. It is estimated that 15 to 20% of the population suffers from IBS globally. In the USA alone there are between 40 to 45 million IBS sufferers. Fortunately in the majority of IBS sufferers, the course of their Irritable Bowel Syndrome runs a mild course. ...
Frankly, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is extremely common. Anyone can be affected with it, but only a small percentage of people with IBS are treating the disorder. This is a widespread disease in most of the developing countries in the world.

Are there tests to confirm irritable bowel syndrome?

There are no physical findings or tests that confirm the diagnosis of IBS. Laboratory blood and stool tests, x-rays, and endoscopic procedures (such as colonoscopy) are used not to make the diagnosis, but to rule out other diseases of the bowel, which can present with similar symptoms.

What is the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a dysfunction of the bowel . People with IBS have extremely sensitive nerves and muscles in the bowel. Therefore the muscles in the bowel sometimes painfully cramp during food intake . That can result in diarrhea during or right after a meal. IBS does however not cause any damage to the bowel . It also does not cause worse diseases. In the U.S. approximately 15% of the adult population suffers from the symptoms of this intestinal disorder .
IBS is a long-term or recurrent disorder of gastrointestinal functioning. The syndrome can produce symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating or a sense of gaseousness, and either diarrhea and/or constipation. Abdominal pain and/or discomfort is the key symptom of IBS and is often relieved or reduced with a bowel movement. Symptoms can come and go, and even change, over time.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also called spastic colon. It refers to a chronic condition that is characterized by the presence of abdominal pain, change in bowel movements, cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. It is considered a serious intestinal disease that can lead to much higher risks if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The most common symptoms that IBS patients experience are frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and or constipation, mucus in the stool, bowel urgency or incontinence, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. IBS is considered to be a disorder that is mainly experienced in the lower gastrointestinal tract, so the symptoms tend to remain located below the navel. ...
The major symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation) and abdominal pain or discomfort. Other common symptoms include bloating, increased gas/belching, the sense of incomplete emptying of stool during a bowel movement, mucus in the stool, heartburn, and indigestion. Symptoms outside of the digestive system may also occur including painful menstrual periods, pain with intercourse, difficulties with urination and joint aches. ...

What are Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms?

Constipation. * Diarrhea. * Mucus in stools. * Abdominal pain, distention, and swelling.

How serious is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The fear of IBS can lead to more serious problem, so it should be treated early on. It is true that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is closely associated with more chronic symptoms but it will never develop into a cancerous disease or a life-threatening disorder. It is more important for people with IBS to focus on its immediate treatment rather than feel the devastation that will make the condition unrelieved. Tests must also be conducted for an early diagnosis.

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

As with many syndromes that affect the human body, the real cause of IBS is not yet known. There are no medical studies so far that explain the root of the problem, although some claim that the symptoms of IBS are caused by muscle contractions in the bowel wall. However, medical specialists continue their studies to discover the exact cause of this syndrome.

Is there a cure for irritable bowel syndrome?

Currently, there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are a variety of different medications that can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome tend to wax and wane (often related to stress) and most who have it will learn to control their symptoms.

What is the cause of irritable bowel syndrome?

The specific cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known. Some individuals develop irritable bowel syndrome following a gastrointestinal infection. Foods are not known to cause irritable bowel syndrome. However, certain foods can worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by altering bowel habits or increasing bowel gas.

How does Konsyl help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Since IBS is different for different people, Konsyl will help regulate the constipation, diarrhea, or alternating effects of each of these for the IBS patient. By normalizing the bowel movements when taken on a regular basis, IBS patients can eliminate the symptoms of this condition. IBS is a condition that must be managed on a daily basis to ensure normal daily life for its sufferers.

Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) the same as IBD?

Though Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) does resemble Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the two are not the same. While IBS patients tend to have abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements, they do not have the intestinal inflammation that IBD patients have. Hence, while they appear to be similar in nature (and people commonly equate the two), they are actually separate medical conditions.
Source: www.ccfc.ca

Does my nutrition influence my Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Undisputable is that a balanced diet has a positive effect on the course and the symptoms of an illness. However, with Irritable Bowel Syndrome the most different foods and drinks can cause problems. In order to find out which foods and drinks you can tolerate and which not, you should take some time to find out which diet is most suitable for you personally.

Can acupuncture help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Yes. No one knows exactly why certain people develop this condition, but most will agree that it is exacerbated by stress and poor dietary habits. Your acupuncturist will most likely treat you with herbs and acupuncture, as well as advise you on how to modify your lifestyle so that future flare-ups do not occur. (1) Fertility and Sterility (2002) Volume 77, Issue 4: 721-724. (2) Psychological Science (1998) Volume 9, Issue 5: 397-401. Home Back to the home page.

Why did I get irritable bowel syndrome?

IBS can be caused by stress or anxiety or intolerance of some foods like wheat, cheese, corn or eggs. It can be caused by excess refined foods and sweets or lack of dietary fiber. Your susceptibility to get it can be caused by an imbalance in your system. You can check to see if there is an imbalance in your system. .

What are the symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated?

With the discomfort associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, millions of people are seeking easy IBS relief . But because the cause of Irritable Bowl Syndrome is unknown, there is unfortunately no known cure. Treatment methods focus on controlling the symptoms with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes , including diet and stress-management .

Does acupuncture cure irritable bowel syndrome?

Amongst intestinal ailments, irritable bowel syndrome, which frequently manifests itself with recurrent abdominal pain and troubles of the intestinal functionality, is the one more easily dealt with by acupuncture, which acts both on its psychological causes and, at the same time, on intestinal motility.

Is irritable bowel syndrome related to diet?

Food intolerance or allergy are not known to cause irritable bowel syndrome. However, many foods may worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These foods include carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, beans, sorbitol or fructose (two types of sugar) and many fruits and vegetables. In addition, certain people with irritable bowel syndrome are intolerant to dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream) - a condition called lactose intolerance. ...

Is irritable bowel syndrome related to nervousness or anxiety?

Stress and anxiety worsen but do not cause the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The psychological traits of individuals with and without irritable bowel syndrome are similar. However, those with irritable bowel syndrome who are anxious or under stress are more likely to seek medical care.

Is stress related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Yes, stress has been associated with the initiation and exacerbation of IBS symptoms.

What is the difference between inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common intestinal disorder that causes cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. In fact, approximately 25 percent of people living in the United States have reported IBS symptoms. Only the common cold causes more people to miss work than IBS. While both IBD and IBS share some symptoms (such as cramping and diarrhea), IBS is a temporary dysfunction, not a disease, while both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic and extremely serious. Return to Texas Children's IBD Center

FEMAIL: What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a genuine disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, where the nerves and muscles of the bowel become oversensitive, causing stomach pain or discomfort, bloating and irregularity. The symptoms are often chronic, range from mild, to moderate and severe, and can have a significant impact upon sufferers' quality of life.
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