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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 SyndromeIrritable bowel syndromeAuthor: Ebony 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 Gastrointestinal Disorders. In response to the growing number of sufferers, new treatments have emerged, and are meant to supplement, not replace fiber therapy, doctors say. One is called Zelnorm, which helps with constipation. (Some studies show that it works better on women than men and it is unclear why.) The second is called Lotronex, which treats diarrhea. The new medications help nerve endings in the intestines communicate better with the brain and the brain with the intestines. In the past, doctors relied on fiber therapy and muscle relaxants to treat the disease, but found that approach wasn't effective enough. The cause of IBS is unclear, but some doctors see a link between the disease and stress, poor eating habits and obesity. The disease is not associated with other serious GI ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or colon cancer, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. ...
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
Constipation and IBS Constipation is one of the major characteristics that are related to IBS. There are several reasons why constipation may be occurring, which is either part of the syndrome or can be factored into a different problem. Knowing whether constipation is a result of IBS is important to determine soon after the symptoms begin to occur. This will help you in deciding the right treatments to get to put your digestive tract back in place. Knowing why you have constipation i ... 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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