My Chronic Life

IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is important to note the word “syndrome” which means a group of symptoms. IBS affects the colon with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, gas, constipation or diarrhea or both.

From Mayo Clinic.com:

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. In some cases, however, the opposite occurs. Food passage slows, and stools become hard and dry.

Some researchers believe IBS is caused by changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel. People with IBS may have a heightened sensitivity to stretching of the bowel with gas leading to pain or bloating. Others believe the central nervous system may affect the colon. And because women are twice as likely to have IBS, researchers believe that hormonal changes also play a role. Also, many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.

IBS is diagnosed often by your symptoms but your doctor, often a gastroenterologist may want to rule out other possible diseases by the use of tests such as a sygmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, lactose intolerance test, blood test to rule out celiac disease or a CT scan of your abdomen.

There is no cure for IBS but there are treatments that are often used on a trial basis. In other words, what works for one person, may not work for another. Diet changes are one of the main things used to help control IBS. Sometimes there are foods that trigger this syndrome. A food diary can be used to determine what may cause problems and then those foods can be avoided. Also eating smaller meals should help too.

There are some prescription medications that doctors may try as well as over the counter laxatives, fiber supplements and anti-diarrheal medications. The use of OTC’s should be discussed with your doctor and may also be used on a trial basis. Antidepressants are also prescribed. Either a tricyclic antidepressant or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can work treat IBS. These medications not only help relieve the depression that may accompany a diagnosis of this syndrome but they can help the nerves in your colon work as they should.

Relieving stress is often another way to help reduce symptoms. A very important note here, stress does not cause IBS, but it can exacerbate symptoms. If you require help with stress counseling may be something to look into.

Please visit the IBS Research and Treatment Act link on About IBS.org. Let your voice be heard by contacting your congress person.