Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem with the intestines that causes belly pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. The cause of IBS is not well known. IBS can last for many years, but it does not get worse over time or lead to serious disease.
Most people can control their symptoms by changing their diet and avoiding things that make their symptoms worse.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestion problem that causes episodes of belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms may be worse or better from day to day, but IBS won't get worse over time. It doesn't cause more serious diseases.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term problem, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of IBS may last for a long time. But IBS doesn't cause cancer or shorten your life.
The pattern of IBS varies from one person to the next and from one bout to the next. Some people have symptoms off and on for many years. You may go months or years without having any symptoms. But most people have symptoms that keep coming back. It is rare for a person to have symptoms constantly. And many people with IBS don't see a doctor about their symptoms.
The main symptoms of IBS are belly pain with constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms are bloating, mucus in the stools, and a feeling that the bowels haven't completely emptied. These symptoms are real and not imagined, even though there are no structural problems in the intestines of people with IBS.
Treatment for IBS depends on what symptoms you have, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life. You may need to try a few things before you find out what works best for you.
The first step in treating IBS usually involves watching and recording what you eat and drink, your activities, and your experiences. These experiences might be pleasant things like catching up with a friend—or more stressful ones like having an argument with a family member. You can record all of this on paper, a computer, or your phone calendar. You may be able to see what things make your symptoms worse. Then you can avoid them. You may also find things that make your symptoms better.
Many people learn to avoid foods that trigger their symptoms. Here are some things to try.
If diet and lifestyle changes don't help enough on their own, your doctor may prescribe medicines. Certain medicines are designed to help with constipation and diarrhea. Other medicines can help with pain. The medicines that are used for IBS pain are the same ones doctors use to treat anxiety and depression.
Most of the time, doctors can diagnose IBS from the symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam.
In some cases, you may need other tests, such as stool analysis or blood tests. These tests can help your doctor rule out other problems that might be causing your symptoms. People with diarrhea as part of their symptoms usually need testing. What tests you need depend on your symptoms and your age.
Tests may include a blood test for celiac disease and a complete blood count. Other tests can include stool tests for colon inflammation and infection. A colonoscopy is sometimes done.
The following health professionals can diagnose and treat IBS:
If more tests are needed or your symptoms don't respond to treatment, it may be helpful to see a doctor who specializes in treating digestive system problems (gastroenterologist). It can also be helpful to see a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the intestines. It causes belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a long-term problem, but there are things you can do to reduce your symptoms.
Your symptoms may be worse or better from day to day, but your IBS won't get worse over time. IBS doesn't cause more serious diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.
It isn't clear what causes IBS. The cause may be different for different people. It may be caused by problems with the way signals are sent between the brain and the digestive tract, or problems digesting certain foods. People with IBS may have unusually sensitive intestines. Or they may have problems with the way the muscles of the intestines move.
For some people with IBS, certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, and some antibiotics may trigger pain and other symptoms.
Many people find that their IBS symptoms get worse after they eat. Sometimes certain foods make symptoms worse.
Foods that may increase symptoms include:
Other types of food that can make IBS symptoms worse include:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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