What Is IBS
What is IBS? IBS, otherwise known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is commonly seen by physicians. But most people who suffer from UBS aren't comfortable speaking with their doctor about the symptoms. Some of the most common signs of IBS are:
- Constipation, diarrhea or both
- Alternating Gas and bloating
- Abdominal cramps
Approximately twenty percent of adults in America have irritable bowel syndrome. As people learn more about the condition and how to alleviate some of the symptoms, they find themselves feeling better, because they learn that they can exert some control over the disorder. There are only a very few people who exhibit severe symptoms and signs of IBS. But what is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not as serious a problem as other intestinal disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBS does not cause changes in the tissue of the bowel, or inflammation. It also does not put you at greater risk for colorectal cancer. But, then, what is IBS forcing people to have to do, to take control of their lives again? Many people control IBS simply by taking charge of their diet, and watching what they eat. They also sometimes have to make lifestyle changes, and avoid as much stress as they can, because these may be contributing factors to IBS.
What is IBS' method of attack? There is no clear reason why some people contract IBS and others don't. There are layers of muscle in your intestines that relax and contract as food moves through your system. Normally, these muscles do this in a rhythm that is consistent. But in people who have IBS, their contractions may last longer than they should, or they may be stronger. Food is thus pushed through your system too quickly, and this causes bloating, gas and diarrhea. In other IBS cases, the opposite occurs. The passage of food becomes slower, and stools are dry and hard.
Some physicians think that IBS could be caused by the nerves that control sensation in the bowel changing. This has the effect of giving the people who suffer from IBS a higher sensitivity to bowel stretching, which leads to gas, bloating and pain. Other researchers believe that the colon may be directly affected by the central nervous system. What is IBS' role in women's health? About twice as many women as men suffer from IBS, so it is believed that changes in hormones may affect the severity of the disorder. Scores of women also find that their IBS symptoms are more intense when they are menstruating.
There are triggers that bother some IBS sufferers, but not others. Stress, and reactions to certain emotions, medications or foods play a part in some peoples' IBS symptoms, but not others.
Regardless of what the triggers are, if you suffer from what you believe to be IBS, talk to your doctor and get on medications and a diet plan. This way you will have control of your life and IBS won't.