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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 Testing for IBSTesting for IBS Those with IBS should always go to a doctor to make sure that the symptoms are directly related to this syndrome. There are several tests that will be done to make sure that this is the syndrome that you have, and that it is not a related disorder. Before you go to your physician, you can prepare yourself for the types of tests that they will take. This will prepare you not only for what will be done when consulting with your doctor, but also expected results. The first type of testing that is done in relation to IBS is a blood test. Doctors will want to take a count of your blood. This will show them if you have anemia or another abnormality that may be causing the same symptoms as IBS. Those with IBS should have a normal blood count. They will want to make sure that it is not linked to any other type of syndrome. They may also perform related tests that will indicate whether you have tissue damage that is linked to the symptoms that you are feeling. The most common test that is part of IBS is a stool test. There are certain characteristics in stools that have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It can be expected that if you have the symptoms, doctors will want to look at your stools to see what is happening and what is attached to the stools. Often times, you will have a parasite that is in your intestinal tract, instead of IBS. If there is hidden blood, it may also be a different syndrome, as blood is not associated with IBS. If these tests don’t provide doctors with the right information for your symptoms, they may decide to perform a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Both of these will allow the doctor to examine the rectum and portions or the entire large bowel. From here, they will be able to note irregularities that are directly linked to the spasms that you are having as well as see if there are other problems that may be linked to the symptoms. X-rays, known as barium enemas, are another option for doctors. Through radiology, they can take pictures of your large bowel after adding liquid and air. They are then able to determine what the irregularities are as well as if there are bacteria that are functioning in this area. This is one last step that doctors will have the choice of taking when defining whether you have IBS or not. These different tests will be done in relation to questioning and psychological examinations from the doctor. If they are unable to find irregularities, but you are still having the problems, they will be able to recommend different types of medications for you. If you believe you have IBS, it is important to get it examined by a doctor. It may be another syndrome or you may have parasitic bacteria in this area. After being tested, you will be able to further define the problems as well as find solutions to solve IBS. 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
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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