Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, Causes and Remedies

Sep 15, 2012 by AshaEden822

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional disorder of the intestines which causes abdominal discomfort, frequently accompanied by cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. It is also referred to as spastic colon or mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome is a lot more frequently known by its abbreviated term – IBS.

There are 3 forms of IBS based on the symptoms — diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) and IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). Clinical investigations are going on a new IBS subtype, post-infectious IBS (IBS-PI).

Signs and symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms consist of:

Abdominal pain

Discomfort related with modifications in bowel habits

Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week

Much more than 3 bowel movements a day

Challenging or lumpy stools

Loose or watery stools

Straining for the duration of a bowel movement

Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement)

Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Passing mucus (white material) during a bowel movement

Abdominal fullness, bloating, or swelling

Chronic pelvic pain

Mental pressure

Fibromyalgia and a variety of mental disorders

Researchers believe that there are neurological and psychological disorders associated with IBS.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown, but there are aspects that may possibly aggravate the trouble. Dietary aspects and stress dont specifically lead to IBS, but they can aggravate it. Numerous research and researches have noted an IBS connection to diet program. Physicians really feel that the right diet plan can provide IBS relief.

Typical IBS diet regime advice includes:

Eat soluble fiber foods and supplements.

Substitute dairy items for soy or rice items.

Be careful with fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber.

Consume small amounts in regular intervals to lessen the signs and symptoms of IBS.

Stay away from eating red meat, oily or fatty (and fried) merchandise.

Stay away from taking dairy goods (specifically when lactose intolerance is suspected).

Keep away from solid chocolate, coffee (typical and decaffeinated), alcohol, carbonated beverages and artificial sweeteners.

IBS Therapy

IBS treatment consists of dietary advice and medication. Developing excellent dietary habits may be the very best treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

Medicines can give instant IBS relief. These might contain stool softeners and laxatives in constipation-predominant, and antidiarrheal (loperamide) in diarrhea-predominant IBS. The low dosage of tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants has shown to be the most extensively prescribed drugs for helping to relieve signs and symptoms of visceral sensitivity (pain) and diarrhea or constipation respectively. Other medicines include:

Alosetron: Alosetron is a selective five-HT3 antagonist for IBS-D. It is only offered for women in the United States below a restricted access system, due to severe dangers of side effects if taken mistakenly by IBS-A or IBS-C sufferers.

Cilansetron: Cilansetron is also a selective 5-HT3 antagonist that is undergoing additional clinical studies in Europe for IBS-D sufferers.

Tegaserod: Tegaserod is a selective five-HT4 antagonist for IBS-C. It has shown to have an excellent security profile for relieving IBS constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation.

For more information, please go to: irritable bowel syndrome treatment