IBS
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IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBS affects as much as 10-20% of the population of the United States of America. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon.
IBS Signs and Symptoms
People who have IBS usually complain of abdominal pain and changes in bowel characteristics. These changes can be more frequent bowel movements, bowel movements that have become increasingly loose, i.e., diarrhea, and or constipation.
IBS and Abdominal Pain
The abdominal pain associated with IBS is usually described as abdominal cramps, dull continuous abdominal pain, or even sharp gas like pains in the abdomen. Most of the abdominal pain associated with IBS is usually relieved with a bowel movement.
Diagnosing IBS
There are not actual physical or diagnostic tests available to diagnose the condition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. In order for a doctor to diagnose IBS, other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out first. Once other potential medical conditions are ruled out and the symptoms that patient presents with are consistent with IBS, then a diagnosis can be made. Once the patient is diagnosed with IBS, a treatment plan can be started.
IBS Treatment
Treating IBS varies by the severity of the condition as well as by the patient. Most all IBS treatment starts with patient education around diet, a healthy lifestyle, and possibly medications for the severe cases. In some cases, dietary fiber has been shown to help with the constipation associated with IBS. Since IBS is a chronic condition, you and your doctor will have to work together over the long haul to control the condition.