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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 Irritable Bowel SyndromeDiagnosing the patient with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits: is it irritable bowel syndrome? - Problem-Oriented DiagnosisAuthor: American Family Physician Family physicians frequently see patients who have abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is a challenge to properly evaluate these patients and differentiate between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and life-threatening illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. IBS is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal illnesses. IBS traditionally has been a diagnosis of exclusion, based on history, physical examination, and a negative battery of diagnostic studies. There are no structural or chemical markers for IBS. (1) Diagnostic tests are frequently overused because physicians are concerned about missing a life-threatening illness. (2) Epidemiology Americans spend $8 billion each year on medical costs related to IBS, (3) and absenteeism resulting from IBS significantly affects the work force. Studies have shown that IBS affects 3 to 22 percent of persons worldwide. (4) Symptoms are reported by 12 percent of Americans and are the cause of 20 to 50 percent of referrals to gastroenterology clinics. (5,6) Most people with IBS do not seek medical care. One half of patients develop symptoms before 35 years of age, and 40 percent of patients develop symptoms between 35 and 50 years of age. Onset in elderly persons is rare. IBS is recognized in children, and many patients can trace their symptoms to childhood. One study found that 26 percent of children with recurrent abdominal pain were diagnosed with IBS, making it a common reason for school absenteeism. (7) Seventy percent of patients with IBS are women; 48 to 79 percent of patients with chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, or a history of numerous abdominal surgeries also have IBS. (8) Women who have had a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain are twice as likely to have IBS. (2) ...
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
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition, but in some ways it is still a mystery. There are many different theories about what causes the syndrome, and different doctors will give you different reasons for your illness – anything from stress to bad bacteria to food intolerance. And once you have been diagnosed, there is no set form of treatment – instead, sufferers tend to try two or three supplements or therapies to find a combination that works for them. IBS is clearly ... Author: Sophie Lee 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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