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).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Tegaserod in patients with irritable bowel syndrome


Author: American Family Physician

Q For a few years now I have had to deal with abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. I'm 45 years old, and I've had this condition for the past two years. I really don't know if certain foods aggravate the condition because the discomfort just seems to occur without warning. What could be my problem? A.W., Phoenix

A Abdominal problems could result because of a variety of reasons, but your description appears to indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a chronic condition that's characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function.

Doctors say IBS is a functional disorder of the intestines that currently affects 40 million Americans. It affects nearly two times as many women as men and typically begins in late adolescence, but can affect people of any age.

In IBS sufferers, the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough, causing slow or accelerated movement of waste through the intestines. It isn't a life-threatening condition, and it can be controlled by eating a healthy diet that includes enough fiber and by avoiding foods that aggravate the condition--fatty and spicy foods, milk products, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate.

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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

  • War of the intestines: learn how to relieve irritable bowel syndrome naturally

    To help my irritable bowel, I started following a diet of no dairy and no wheat on the advice of a local naturopath. For almost a year, I drank soymilk and ate no wheat whatsoever--and it worked. But about three months ago, the bloating and the constipation returned. Now I'm wondering if the soymilk has become a problem. How can I get my digestive system back in balance?

    In cases like this, it's often my preference to use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM may offer relief to some ...
    Author: Better Nutrition
    CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

  • How to Get Rid of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    How to Get Rid of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS is a common problem among many. If you are having pain in your abdomen, have diarrhea, or constipation, then you will want to find a variety of ways to get rid of IBS. Depending on how badly you have IBS or what you are comfortable with will help you to determine the right option for getting rid of IBS. If it is not taken care of, it can cause problems with your everyday functioning and not allow your body the prop ...
    Author:
    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...

    more IBS info


    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...

    more IBS info


    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...

    more IBS info

  • 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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