1

Ellora IslamJodie Ly

Tony DaviSonaiya Kelley

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer.

Causes There is no known specific cause for IBS.

People with IBS, however, are extremely sensitive in their intestines and colon.

Theories:◦ Stress. Stress may affect the movements of the

intestines and also may affect the way a person feels pain.

◦ Trapped gas that causes bloating◦ Hormonal changes, menstrual cycle◦ Some medicines, such as antibiotics◦ Genetics

Abdominal pain Bloating Discomfort Constipation - hard,

difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements

Diarrhea- frequent, loose, watery, stools

There is no specific test for IBS, although diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other problems. These tests may include stool sample testing, blood tests, and x rays. Typically, a doctor will perform a colonoscopy.

Symptoms include◦ Abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 12 weeks

out of the previous 12 months. These 12 weeks do not have to be consecutive.

◦ a change in frequency of bowel movements ◦ a change in appearance of bowel movements ◦ feelings of uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel

movement ◦ difficulty or inability to pass stool ◦ mucus in the stool ◦ bloating

Since different people have different symptoms and medications affect people differently, no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone with IBS.

To find the best combination of medicine, diet, counseling, and support to control your symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Your doctor may suggest among other things:◦ fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or

medicines to decrease diarrhea◦ antispasmodics, which help to control colon

muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain◦ Antidepressants◦ alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex)

Since there are no known direct causes for IBS there is no way to know how to completely avoid or prevent it. However within each

particular case of IBS there are certain foods that cause more of a problem than others do.

One of the most common treatment options for IBS is to catalog what foods are most

disagreeable and avoid those foods. It has also been proven that high fiber diets prevent flare ups of IBS by preventing constipation and improving motility within the bowel. It has also been proven that by relieving stress that would otherwise trigger your IBS you can relieve your

symptoms.

“Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Overview and Facts.” Web MD, 23 May 2008. 11 Dec 2009. <http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-overview-facts>

“Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, September 2007. 11 Dec 2009. <http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#symptoms>