What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain, wind, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation; others have diarrohea; and some people experience both.
Is IBS serious?
The cause of IBS is not known. Doctors call it a functional disorder because there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not cause permanent harm to the intestines and does not lead to intestinal bleeding of the bowel or to a serious disease such as cancer.
What causes IBS?
In the majority of cases, the cause is unknown. In many people who have IBS, the bowel appears to be oversensitive. In some, the bowel reacts excessively to normal contraction, and this causes pain. In others, strong contractions cause pain or discomfort. Factors such as stress, diet and infection can trigger an attack
Stress: In some people the oversensitive bowel reacts excessively to the normal stresses of everyday living.
Diet: Certain foods may be a contributing factor, and the importance of this varies from person to person. Commonly reported dietary factors include:
-
Not enough fibre (roughage),
-
too much fat, or
-
Chocolate, milk products (lactose intolerance), or large amounts of alcohol
-
Caffeine
-
Researchers also have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can increase IBS symptoms
Infection: A bowel infection or gastroenteritis can trigger symptoms
Medications: The following medications may affect the function of the bowel and produce symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea:
-
iron tablets
-
pain-killers
-
antibiotics
-
antacids
What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?
-
Abdominal pain - often relieved by having a bowel motion or passing wind.
-
Diarrhoea or constipation (commonly these alternate).
-
A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel and fullness or bloating.
-
Mucus in the bowel motion.
NOTE: Rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain are not symptoms of IBS and must be investigated as they may indicate other disorders.
How is IBS diagnosed?
A diagnosis is made following a complete history and
physical examination.
Your doctor may suggest one or all of the following investigations to rule
out other disorders:
-
Blood tests
-
Faecal matter test
-
Sigmoidoscopy
-
Colonoscopy
-
Barium enema
How is IBS treated?
The treatment will depend on symptoms, and may include:
-
Modifications to diet (eg. gradual increase in dietary fibre)
-
Lifestyle changes to minimise stress
-
Regular exercise
-
Medications to treat symptoms during acute flare ups
Useful Contacts and Further Information
Contact your General Practitioner
Or visit the following web site:
www.gesa.org.au/patient_inf/fs_c1.htm
|
|
