irritable bowel syndrome and ibs symtoms

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Your Journey into Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

As its name indicates, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a syndrome. That is, IBS is a combination of signs and symptoms, but not a disease. IBS is classified as a functional disorder. A functional disorder refers to a condition where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable inflammatory, infectious, structural, or biochemical cause.

Research also indicates that IBS is a multi-faceted disorder. For example, the symptoms of IBS result from what seems to be a disturbance or imbalance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, sensory function, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function).

The articles on this site are provided to help you to better understand Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and your options for relief of these symptoms.

Click Here right arrow For a Special Report on the causes and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome


What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Knowing whether you have irritable bowel syndrome or not can be found if you know what it means and what types of symptoms it includes. By defining the different areas of irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, you can then begin to make the necessary steps to healing from the problem. It is also important to understand why IBS occurs and the factors that are related to it.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that takes place by the lower intestine and then moves into the colon. This entire area will be stressed and unable to function at it’s proper level. From here, certain factors, such as stress or physical conditions will cause symptoms from these areas. Stress, physical problems, etc. irritate this area, causing a variety of conditions to be part of the problem.

One of the major signs for IBS is having pain in your abdomen and gut area. You may become hypersensitive or feel cramped. Your colon may also respond to these symptoms by having constipation and diarrhea or a combination of both. Your lower intestine and abdomen area continue to be irritated and not be able to take the stress of the body. Most will feel these symptoms after a meal or after something stresses them out during the day.

There are several reasons why IBS may occur. One of the most well known factors is from stress related problems. If you have family, work, emotional or physical stresses, it will cause your body to react in order to get you to relax. Another reason for IBS could be because of the way your muscle is moving in the lower intestine. The intestine will not have the ability to stress or move, causing it to react with irritation.

The things that you are eating may also play a part in the occurrence of IBS. If the symptoms have not been as consistent, you can easily change this by changing your diet. IBS may be occurring because you do not have enough fiber in your diet. This is one of the more popular reasons for problems from your lower intestines. Increasing fiber will help get rid of IBS. You can also take laxatives to relax your lower intestine and try to control the movements.

If you don’t take care of IBS when it begins to occur, you may have several other problems that result. If the symptoms don’t go away, it is best to see a doctor to see what options there are. If not, it can lead to dehydration or malnutrition. You will also have problems with normal activities and functioning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome that occurs in several people. If you notice that you have these symptoms, it is best to find a treatment for them to give your body the relaxation that it needs. By doing this, you will be able to move back to your everyday functioning and relieve your body of the pains that it is having in the lower abdomen area.


For information on a number of other common health problems, be sure to check out our home page at Common Health Problems.

Health problems are becoming more common as the "baby boom" generation gets older and will continue to do so for the next 20 years or so. Bowel problems are no exception.

 

Risk Factors for IBS

The main risk factors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include:

  • Sex
  • Family History

For example, you are far more likely to have IBS if you're young and female. In fact, two to three times as many women as men have the condition.

In addition, IBS does seem to run in families, possibly suggesting a genetic cause for the condition.

However, at the current time, the precise cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not known.

New Irritable Bowel Information

  • Doctor, Why Can't I Loose Weight and by the Way Why Do I Feel Sick?

    Doctor, Why Can’t I Loose Weight and by the Way Why Do I Feel Sick?

    This the number one question heard in my office and in physicians’ offices throughout America. There is a strong relationship between weight gain, difficulty in loosing weight and feeling sick. Candida Albicans, an opportunistic fungus, is often the link between weight gain, feeling ill and the difficulties people have with loosing weight. Focusing on removing Candida Albicans from the body rewards the diet ...
    Author: Dr. Steven Zodkoy
    CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

  • Eliminate Embarrassment this Holiday Season.
    Mention flatulence or intestinal gas, and you’re bound to get a chuckle. But for more than 44 million Americans, it is a serious concern. The odor associated with excessive flatulence can be so embarrassing that it prevents people from traveling and enjoying normal social interactions.
    People like Jane Simoson, 39, can travel with confidence this holiday season due to her Flat-D Chair Pad. Jane is one of 44 million people in the US that are afflicted with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and o ...
    Author: Frank Morosky
    CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

    IBS in the News


    07/23/2010
    Study Finds Structural Brain Alterations In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    A large academic study has demonstrated structural changes in specific brain regions in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the abdomen, along with diarrhea, constipation or both. A collaborative effort between UCLA and Canada's McGill University, the study appears in the July issue of the journal Gastroenterology...

    more IBS info


    06/23/2010
    A Guide For Vaccinating The IBD Patient; Findings On Impact Of Gluten-Free Diet In Adult Celiac Patients
    A guide for vaccinating the Inflammatory Bowel Disease patient, and studies looking at the impact of a gluten-free diet on adults with celiac disease and the relationship between cognitive factors and treatment response in patients with functional bowel disorders, like IBS, are among the highlights of the June issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology...

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    06/10/2010
    Lubiprostone Successfully Completes Phase 3 Efficacy Trial In Japanese Patients Suffering From Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
    Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMP) and Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today announced that a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of lubiprostone for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in Japanese patients met its primary endpoint with statistical significance and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with previously reported clinical lubiprostone data...

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    06/10/2010
    Salix Pharmaceuticals Announces NDA Submission For XIFAXAN550 For Treatment Of Non-Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) today announced that the Company has submitted an efficacy supplement to NDA 21-361 for XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets for the proposed indication of treatment of non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome (Non-C IBS) and IBS-related bloating...

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    06/04/2010
    Symptoms Of Digestive Disorders Alleviated By Probiotic Found In Breast Milk
    New research published in the FASEB Journal suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri immediately affects nerves in the gut, explaining how probiotics work Here's another reason to breast feed your baby: Canadian researchers have discovered how a probiotic found in breastmilk reduces or eliminates painful cramping in the gut...

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  • 10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
    Detoxification program for Radiation, Heavy Metals, Mercury, and Food Chemicals such as Aspartame!

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