IBS Causes and Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems and it affects about 20% of adults and is more common in women than men. Those who have IBS usually see it begin during early adulthood, and very rarely does it begin after the age of 50. For those who have IBS it simply means that the intestinal system does not work like normal, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, heartburn or diarrhea and constipation. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and IBS may be worse for people who have stress or mood disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Doctors are still studying what causes IBS but one study found that people who have IBS have colon tissue that is more sensitive than normal, which may contribute to the problem. There are many things you can do to help minimize your IBS flare-ups:
If you know of specific foods that cause symptoms then try to avoid them.Avoid chewing gum and drinking carbonated beverages because they can cause gas.Avoid caffeine and nicotine, and some people find that cutting out alcoholic beverages helps too.Provide regular mealtimes that allow you to eat slowly. Eating in the car or when you are hurried causes you to gulp food and swallow air, which will cause an IBS flare-up.Exercising, relaxing and getting the right amount of sleep are not only good for your gastrointestinal problems, but they have many other health benefits for your body.
Making these lifestyle and diet changes can help reduce flare-ups. Pairing these changes with regular exercise and good sleeping habits can help to reduce anxiety and in turn relieve bowel symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may also be able to talk to you about various medications that might make living with IBS more tolerable, and they may suggest counseling to help with anxiety and depression.
Many gastrointestinal specialists find both IBS and IBD stubborn to diagnose and treat because the symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. These diseases are considered chronic, but some people never have a reoccurrence after being treated. Treatments can range from diet changes and medications to steroids or antibiotics. Keeping a positive attitude and staying in touch with your gastroenterologist and others who have similar diseases help make living with a chronic disease much more bearable.
Most people assume that IBS is just something they will have to deal with all their life and up to 75% do not seek medical advice! It’s always a good idea to have any health problems checked out by a doctor because there can be other underlying problems you may not realize and only a doctor can make sure. Make an appointment at the GI Associates Clinic and let their gastrointestinal specialists help you find ways to make IBS more bearable, whether its finding the right medication or giving you practical advice they can help.
A gastroenterologist can perform a variety of tests to diagnose IBS and IBD, in addition to other abdominal problems you might be having so make sure you schedule an appointment with the GI Associates Clinic. You do not have to go another day with the pain and you should always make sure your symptoms are not something more serious. Click here for information about making an appointment with a GI Specialist.