IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition effecting up to
20% of the population and the numbers are rising. There are more
women sufferers than men and the age that it commonly starts is
at around twenty. It is classed as a ‘functional’ disorder as it
alters the way the body works and therefore is not diagnosable
using traditional means such as examination or blood test.
It is not a commonly understood condition, with the medical
community unable to clarify the exact cause. IBS appears to
occur due to the body’s inability to regulate the bowel
functions correctly. This leads to a number of unpleasant
symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, excessive wind and
irregular bowel movements including constipation and/or
diarrhoea. However, there are treatments available to allow
sufferers to manage their symptoms.
If you start to notice irregular bowel movements or suffer
prolonged abdominal discomfort you could be suffering from
Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Keeping a diary to monitor food
intake, exercise and stress levels is a good idea to track
anything that may exacerbate your symptoms. When diagnosing IBS
your medical practitioner will ask you for a general history of
your bowel movements so keeping records will come in handy.
Certain foods are also recognized as triggers for IBS, such as
fatty foods, caffeine and dairy products. Keeping a food diary
will help you identify if eating these foods cause your symptoms
to flare up and you can eliminate them in line with advice from
your doctor.
Some foods can conversely be helpful in easing the symptoms of
IBS, namely foods high in fiber. For example, bran, cereals,
fruit and vegetables. Try introducing these foods into your
diet, in small quantities first to allow your digestive system
time to adjust. They will be particularly helpful if you suffer
from constipation as they make stools soft and bulky and easier
to pass.
Eating little and often has also been proven to relieve symptoms
in some IBS sufferers. Try spreading your food intake over 5
meals a day. Eating too much in one sitting can bring on
cramping and diarrhea for people at risk from IBS.
Although not the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, stress can
be a contributing factor to its symptoms. Try to introduce some
relaxation techniques into your day such as meditation, yoga,
exercise or any activity that you enjoy.
There are medications available that play a role in relieving
the symptoms. Fiber supplements or laxatives are sometimes
prescribed for constipation, there are also drugs available to
reduce diarrhea and control colon muscle spasms. Antidepressants
may also be prescribed. Your doctor will talk through the most
appropriate approach for you to take, determined by the symptoms
that you suffer from.
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