Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Do you have recurring discomfort or pain in the abdomen? Do you frequently feel uncomfortably bloated? Are you often constipated? Or is it frequent diarrhea that is your problem? If you have these symptoms, perhaps you need to set up an appointment with your doctor, for you could have a disorder that 20 million people suffer from – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS.

As is evident from that number, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder that affects the intestines, leading to cramping in the guts, gassiness, and changes in the bowel movements, with constipation and/or diarrhea being the most common symptoms. Sometimes a crampy urge to pass bowels is felt, but the person affected cannot do so. Previously, it used to be known as colitis or spastic colon, but this was later found to be inaccurate. It is actually a functional disorder of the bowels, without evidence of any disease. It does not harm the intestines permanently, nor does it lead to bleeding in the intestines, nor does it cause cancer. However, it can be very uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and perhaps even be debilitating.

The fecal matter in the colon is propelled toward the rectum by the activity of the nerves, electrical impulses, and hormones in the large intestine. These cause muscular contractions, which occur a few times in a day, some of which lead to a bowel movement. The bowels are normal when they are well formed, not too hard or too soft, have no blood in it, and can be passed without pain or cramps.

The exact reason why some people get IBS is still not known, although according to one theory, it is thought that people who have this disorder have extra sensitive large intestines that respond more strongly to stimuli which do not affect most people. However, contrary to popular theory, IBS is not caused by a psychosomatic disorder. In other words, anxiety and stress are not responsible for causing IBS symptoms. Instead, it is just the changes in the muscles and nerves that control intestinal motion and sensation that cause IBS. Studies have also linked IBS to a neurochemical imbalance. Researchers think that serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter occurring in the intestines, plays a key role in motility and sensation in the gastrointestinal tract, and could be integral in IBS symptoms developing.

The symptoms of IBS are largely due to the over distention of the colon, usually because of the lack of adequate amounts of fiber in the diet. The consumption of processed or refined foods, which is largely what comprises the modern western diet largely dependent on fast foods, is responsible for the lack of fiber, which is vital for maintaining colonic health.

Generally, IBS is diagnosed when more serious disorders of the bowel like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are ruled out. Usually an endoscopy is performed, which involves viewing the colon by inserting a flexible tube through the rectum, to rule out such diseases.

So, how can the symptoms of IBS be alleviated? There are drugs that can be prescribed, which control the spasms that occur in the colonic muscle affected by IBS, or regulate the movement of food in the intestines. If you are constipated, you could be prescribed laxatives, or perhaps use fiber supplements, although it is best to consume fiber-rich foods instead, such as breads made with whole grain, leafy vegetables, fruits, etc.

It is advisable, however, to eat just enough fiber so that the bowel movements are easy and painless. Hence, you must take care not to overdo the high fiber thing. Too much fiber in the diet causes bloating due to gas. Also, when including fiber in the diet, do it gradually, so that your system gets accustomed to it. Maintaining a journal or diary on which foods cause the symptoms can be helpful. Also, eating smaller portions of food also helps because large meals have the tendency of over distending the colon, triggering off IBS symptoms.