|
|
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 How Common is IBSHow Common is IBS? There are several that state that IBS is not a common syndrome among most. However, there are several statistics that state that it is a more common problem than most would think. If you are dealing with IBS, you may now be finding that you are not alone with the problem. There are several others that are having the same symptoms as you. In general, it is said that IBS affects between ten to twenty percent of the population. It is also known as one of the most common syndromes that are diagnosed by doctors and physicians. From this point, it is also said that over seventy percent of those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome don’t seek treatment or diagnosis from a doctor. Not only is IBS a common part of the population, but it is also not shared among most with a health care provider. From here, certain demographics can be looked into in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This syndrome is not separated by age or ethnicity. It is able to affect anyone during any point of their life. There are several children and teens that have been diagnosed with IBS, as well as adults. The one major difference in demographics is between females and males. It is known that about forty percent of the population with IBS is male, while sixty percent is female. Because there is no difference otherwise, it is important to make sure that you are able to monitor your eating habits as well as how everything is affecting your digestive system. One of the other factors to consider with the commonality of IBS is how severe the problems are. While twenty percent of the population sees a doctor about symptoms, several don’t. This may be for a variety of reasons. However, it is noted that most that have IBS do not have severe symptoms. It is known that if the symptoms are moderate to severe, they will be more likely to go to the doctor. This can account for thirty percent of those who have IBS. Those who have mild symptoms of IBS will most likely not go to a doctor, remaining anonymous among those who are dealing with IBS. With the calculation of these several statistics, it is also important to note that IBS and the symptoms that are related to it are not recognized by many. There are several that may have mild IBS, but don’t recognize the characteristics in relation to it or have not been educated about this syndrome. Because of this, IBS may be more common than expected. If you are battling IBS, it is important to recognize that you are not alone with these symptoms. There are several others who have been diagnosed with IBS or have it as a mild syndrome. If you have IBS, you will easily be able to find others who are dealing with the same symptoms as you. From here, you can join support groups or find ways to deal with the symptoms through the help of others. 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
A GROWING NUMBER of African-Americans--especially women--are being diagnosed with the gastrointestinal disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Doctors say about 15 percent of African-American women who complain of abdominal pain have been diagnosed with the disease, which is characterized by severe cramping and diarrhea, or bloating and constipation. Overall IBS affects up to 20 percent of the population, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestina ... IBS in the News
10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
|
For a