What Exactly is Irritable Bowel Syndrome ?

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS as is it commonly called is a very common disorder that affects at least 15% of the general population. This disease is sometimes called spastic colitis, nervous stomach, spastic colon or mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome should not be mistaken for other diseases of the bowel such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder which means that there is an abnormality in the functioning of the bowels but no structural
abnormalities are present.

What causes IBS?

IBS symptoms seem to occur as a result of an abnormality of communication between the muscles of the bowel and the nervous system. This may result in the bowel becoming more sensitive or "irritated". The muscles which are located in the bowel wall may contract either too weakly or too forcefully, too rapidly or too slowly at certain times. There is no physical obstruction in the bowel, yet a patient may experience cramps or a functional blockage.

What role does stress play in IBS?

Stress does not cause IBS. It is not a psychiatric or a psychological disorder. However, one contributor to IBS is emotional stress. When a person becomes nervous or anxious, he or she may experience diarrhea or nausea. It may be impossible to control stress’s effect on our intestines, but if we are able to reduce the sources of stress in our daily lives, then this may help to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

Is this IBS or something else?

You must have a comprehensive physical examination and medical history by a physician or a specialized colon and rectal surgeon in order to eliminate more serious disorders. You may have to have certain tests such as stool tests, blood tests, perhaps a colonoscopy and x-ray studies done. Fever, rectal bleeding, anemia, and unexplained weight loss are not symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and need to be assessed by your physician.

How is IBS treated?

If the patient understands that IBS is not a life-threatening or a serious condition, this may help to relieve stress and anxiety which are often contributors to IBS. Different techniques can be incorporated to reduce stress such as biofeedback, behavioral therapy, relaxation or even pain management techniques may all help to relieve IBS symptoms is certain individuals. The patient may wish to make use of a journal or diary to help identify certain factors or foods that may cause symptoms of IBS.

When can I expect relief of symptoms?

Relieving symptoms of IBS is often a very slow process. It may take as long as six months and sometimes longer to see any noticeable improvement of symptoms. It is extremely important for one to have patience when dealing with IBS. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be greatly reduced or even eliminated with the proper diet and even with the use of appropriate medications. Irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to bleeding, cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on IBS, including spastic colon syndrome and the cure for irritable bowel syndrome.