Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome that affects the colon, or large bowel.
The bowel is part of the digestive tract that has the role of storing stool.
IBS is not a disease yet it can easily be mistaken for a disease.
It is essentially a functional disorder which affects how properly the bowel functions.
It has a variety of symptoms.
These include abdominal pain or discomfort often observed by doctors as cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
The real cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not fully known by doctors.
However it appears the nerves and muscles in the bowel have extra sensitivity.
Muscles may contract to much when eating causing cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal.
IBS can be very painful.
However it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system.
It doe snot in any way lead to any other health problems.
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, there are other known symptoms of IBS namely whitish mucus in the stool, a swollen or bloated abdomen.
There could also be a feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.
Women suffering from IBS may experience symptoms at the time of their menstrual periods.
In terms of diagnosis doctors may be lead to IBS based on manifesting symptoms.
Apart from that doctors also use what is known as the Rome criteria to accurately diagnose an individual of IBS.
Other health problems may also exist.
Medical tests may be necessary to ensure that there are no other problems that are causing the same symptoms.
These medical tests for IBS which are apart from physical exam and blood tests may also include lower gastrointestinal series (GI).
This method uses x rays to diagnose problems in the colon.
Before having your x ray taken the doctor will place barium into the colon through the anus.
Barium is a vivid liquid that makes your intestines show up better on the x ray.
This procedure is also known as the barium enema x ray.
There is yet another test called colonoscopy that is used to diagnose patients of IBS.
The doctor places a tube into your anus called colonoscope.
It has a light and tiny lens on the end which makes it possible for doctors to physically view the inside of your colon on a screen.
In terms of cure, IBS has no cure but symptoms can be relieved by dietary changes, medicines and stress relief.
Working with your doctor can help you quickly find what works best for you.
The bowel is part of the digestive tract that has the role of storing stool.
IBS is not a disease yet it can easily be mistaken for a disease.
It is essentially a functional disorder which affects how properly the bowel functions.
It has a variety of symptoms.
These include abdominal pain or discomfort often observed by doctors as cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
The real cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not fully known by doctors.
However it appears the nerves and muscles in the bowel have extra sensitivity.
Muscles may contract to much when eating causing cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal.
IBS can be very painful.
However it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system.
It doe snot in any way lead to any other health problems.
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, there are other known symptoms of IBS namely whitish mucus in the stool, a swollen or bloated abdomen.
There could also be a feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.
Women suffering from IBS may experience symptoms at the time of their menstrual periods.
In terms of diagnosis doctors may be lead to IBS based on manifesting symptoms.
Apart from that doctors also use what is known as the Rome criteria to accurately diagnose an individual of IBS.
Other health problems may also exist.
Medical tests may be necessary to ensure that there are no other problems that are causing the same symptoms.
These medical tests for IBS which are apart from physical exam and blood tests may also include lower gastrointestinal series (GI).
This method uses x rays to diagnose problems in the colon.
Before having your x ray taken the doctor will place barium into the colon through the anus.
Barium is a vivid liquid that makes your intestines show up better on the x ray.
This procedure is also known as the barium enema x ray.
There is yet another test called colonoscopy that is used to diagnose patients of IBS.
The doctor places a tube into your anus called colonoscope.
It has a light and tiny lens on the end which makes it possible for doctors to physically view the inside of your colon on a screen.
In terms of cure, IBS has no cure but symptoms can be relieved by dietary changes, medicines and stress relief.
Working with your doctor can help you quickly find what works best for you.
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