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Your Journey into Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable 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 Common Symptoms of Irritable Bowel SyndromeCommon Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, will have specific symptoms that are defined as part of the disorder. These symptoms will all affect your functioning as well as discomfort levels. By knowing these symptoms, you will be able to take a first step to being able to solve the problem. Defining the symptoms to IBS is an important step in beginning to solve the problem. The major discomfort that will occur with IBS is from abdominal pain that is in the lower area of your stomach. Many will describe this as a cramping that occurs at different times of the day. This is usually from the lower intestine cramping and not being able to digest things properly. If you are experiencing pain that occurs in your lower abdomen area at different times, it is a good indication that you may have IBS. A second symptom that is common with IBS is a change in your bowel functioning. As a result, you may have constipation or diarrhea. Many times, this change can cause pain and discomfort in your colon and bowel area. This may not be consistent, and will not be in a pattern of having this constant change in function, but will be discomforting and will occur more than one time. Usually, those that are diagnosed with IBS will have this problem for twelve or more weeks. There are other syndromes that may or may not be a part of IBS as well. Bloating and nausea are often times associated with IBS. Because your system is not able to digest, it will cause a shift in the digestive tract that will cause you to feel these symptoms at different times. You may also feel heartburn frequently. Because the digestion in your system is not functioning as it normally would, the stomach will often react by moving other parts of the digestive area in the wrong way. For example, heart burn will occur when the acid in the stomach moves up towards your esophagus instead of completing its digestive cycle. If this is occurring with the abdominal pains and disfunctions, it may be a sign that you have IBS. There are several symptoms that will be interpreted as part of IBS. However, these are generally not part of the diagnosis of IBS. For example, anemia and bleeding often occur with symptoms of IBS. Fever and weight loss may also be occurring. All of these symptoms are not considered as part of IBS. If you have these symptoms, along with IBS symptoms, you should see a doctor to find what is happening. There may be other serious problems that are occurring in your body that are part of another disorder or problem. The major symptoms associated with IBS are known to cause several problems among many. If you have identified the latter mentioned symptoms for a particular amount of time, it is best to see your doctor or begin to try to find a cure for IBS. IBS can cause discomfort and pain if not taken care of, which allows the symptoms to get in the way of your everyday functioning. 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:
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
Myths About IBS For those that are dealing with IBS, they may be finding that there are several myths related to it. Pre-conceived ideas are often times associated with IBS. You also may have heard something about IBS that is causing you to look into the wrong solutions. If you are dealing with IBS, separating the realities of it from what you have heard may help in finding the right solution. The first thing that is often heard about IBS is that it is not that common. This is someth ... Author: CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE IBS in the News
10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
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