Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a common condition that affects the large intestine and can cause numerous symptoms that vary among sufferers and can include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation.

While IBS can mimic the symptoms of other intestinal disorders and diseases such as Chrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, it typically does not cause inflammation or damage to the colon and can be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. IBS affects individuals in varying degrees as some people will experience symptoms that are intermittent and mild while others with have more severe symptoms that are sometimes disabling.

Common Triggers Associated with IBS

What triggers the symptoms of IBS also can vary greatly from one individual to another as some individuals will experience flare ups after eating certain foods while others will only experience their symptoms during times of stress.

While food is a common contributor to the symptoms of IBS in some individuals, the type of food that causes the symptoms can be different for each person. Some of the most common foods that have been associated with triggering IBS symptoms include foods that are high in fat, dairy products, and beverages that include alcohol or caffeine.

Many people experience a worsening of their IBS symptoms during times of stress or anxiety and some research suggests that this is due to the fact that the immune system is affected by stress and that the immune system itself may play a significant role in the development of IBS.

One of the triggers of IBS in women is thought to be the fluctuations of hormones as some women claim to experience a worsening of their symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Other medical conditions such as gastroenteritis or infectious diarrhea have also been known to trigger the symptoms of IBS.

Common Treatments for IBS

Due to the fact that a definitive cause has not yet been found for irritable bowel syndrome the types of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome are geared toward controlling the symptoms. In the majority of patients the symptoms of IBS can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes without the need for prescription medications.

After identifying the foods that are known to trigger their IBS by keeping a food diary, many individuals can successfully manage their symptoms by simply avoiding these foods. Others who experience the symptoms of IBS primarily due to stress or anxiety can effectively control their condition by learning methods of managing the anxiety or stress.

Over - the - counter drugs and supplements are also sometimes recommended for those with IBS including fiber supplements that can control the constipation that is often associated with IBS. For those who suffer the symptom of diarrhea, this can typically be controlled with anti-diarrheal medications such as Imodium AD.

In more severe cases of IBS a patient may be prescribed one of several medications based upon the type of symptoms and their severity. While IBS typically does not cause any serious complications, if you suffer from any gastrointestinal problems that are concerning you it is essential that you discuss them with your physician to obtain a proper diagnosis rule out other potentially more serious medical conditions.