Conditions IBS

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that cause digestive, abdominal discomfort and/or changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying damage. It is what doctors call a functional disease. Someone with this type of disease will have a group of symptoms, but tests won’t show any physical explanation for those problems. IBS will not increase your risk of developing bowel cancer. IBS has evolved into a very common gastrointestinal disorder that affects 1 in 7 people. The causes are not well understood, and it is diagnosed based on ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications are the best option at present, and some medications may help as well. IBS is a chronic condition that can be controlled, but not cured.

At its core, Irritable Bowel Syndrome causes irritation because it affects the function and behavior of the intestines. Normally, the muscles lining the intestines contract and relax to move food along the digestive tract. In IBS, this pattern is disturbed, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. In addition, there can be a disturbance in sensation, with heightened sensitivity to normal gas or stool passing through the GI tract.

IBS related symptoms may occur over a long time, often years, and classic symptoms such as abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits may be accompanied by abdominal bloating, increase in abdominal girth (distension), excessive gas, urgency to defecate, and fatigue. Symptoms usually are experienced as acute attacks that subside within one day, but recurrent attacks are likely. There may also be urgency for bowel movements and a feeling of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus). It is common for the symptoms of IBS to fluctuate over time – there are good times and bad times. IBS symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and they might vary over time.

Many people experience mild symptoms of IBS, but for some, symptoms can be severe. Symptoms can include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Here are the top symptoms voted for by Candor app users.

References:

“Symptoms and Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. NIDDK. February 23, 2015.

Related Posts

Managing IBS flare-ups

Understanding the factors that exacerbate your IBS can be challenging, especially during the initial phases of devising a treatment plan. This article guides you through some key considerations….

ibs relationships

Impact of IBS on relationships

This article aims to unravel the intricacies of IBS in terms of its impact on relationships. Rather than employing grandiose language, our goal is to provide practical insights…

does low fodmap work for ibs

Does low FODMAP diet work for IBS?

Short answer – it depends, based on each individual’s reaction to various food combinations. Long answer – there is considerable interest in answering the question – does low…

how food moves through the digestive system

How food moves through the digestive system

The gastrointestinal tract, also known as the digestive tract or alimentary canal, is a long, continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It plays a…

crohns-foods-to-avoid

Crohn’s disease – foods to avoid

Managing Crohn’s disease involves following a carefully tailored Crohn’s diet and working with a qualified Crohn’s dietician. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract, affecting the gastrointestinal…

gut-bacteria-types

Gut bacteria – do you know the different types?

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors a diverse array of gut bacteria and assorted microorganisms, totaling in the trillions. These microscopic inhabitants fulfill crucial functions in upholding our well-being….