Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

What is irritable bowel syndrome?
It is not disease but a state where in the affected individual suffers from multiple symptoms listed below

What are the symptoms of IBS?
People with IBS may experience constipation, diarrhea, or a combination - constipation at some times and diarrhea at other times. In addition, IBS may produce cramps, urgency, or a bloated feeling in the abdomen. Passing mucus is a frequent occurrence. Many complain of stools coming and getting arrested at the anus , never comes out even on straining. Such individuals develop a habit of finger evacuation which may cause wounds in the rectum. Rectal bleeding is never caused by IBS, and any rectal bleeding must be properly and thoroughly evaluated.

What causes IBS?
The underlying cause of this disorder is an abnormality in the way the intestinal muscles contract. These muscles, which produce a wavy type of force from one end of the intestine to other , work automatically and in preset rhythm to move food products along the intestine to the rectum and to out side through anal canal. IBS results when there is disturbance in this wavy pattern. IBS is a disorder of the function of the intestinal muscles. The muscles appear normal under a microscope, but they may not function normally, contracting too forcefully or weakly, too slowly or rapidly.

What role does stress play in IBS?
Emotional stress may contribute to IBS. The brain and the intestine are closely connected by nerve fibers that control the automatic functioning of the intestinal muscles, and many people may experience nausea or diarrhea when nervous or anxious. While we may not be able to control the effect of stress on our intestines, reducing the sources of stress in our lives - high pressure jobs, family tensions, etc. - may alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

Nowadays IBS is becoming a common problem because of stressful living

How to arrive at the conclusion that the particular person is suffering from IBS?
A careful medical history and physical examination by a colon and rectal surgeon are essential to a proper diagnosis. Tests are performed to rule out other diseases which may present with same symptoms.

How is IBS treated?
Simply understanding that IBS is not a disease may relieve anxiety and stress, which often contribute to the problem.

Usually such patients comes with a big file containing multiple consultations , test reports and medicine prescriptions.

It is very important to explain the condition to the patient.
Treatment involves medicines, counseling, and assurance. Patience is the key.

Are there any foods to be avoided?
Sometimes, caffeine, milk products or alcohol can make symptoms of IBS worse. In addition, smokers should beware: IBS symptoms may be aggravated by nicotine. Patients should be advised to avoid such foods which aggravate their symptoms.

How long does the treatment take to relieve symptoms?
Relief of IBS Symptoms is often a slow process. It may take six months or more for definite improvement to be appreciated. Patience is extremely important in dealing with this problem.
The tendency for the intestine to respond to stress will always be present. With attention to proper diet, an increase in dietary roughage, and in some cases, use of appropriate medications, the symptoms of IBS can be greatly improved or eliminated. Mild symptoms may recur from time to time, but rarely will become more than a minor nuisance.

Can IBS lead to more serious problems?
IBS does not lead to any serious illness such as cancer , ulcerative colitis, etc

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
- All diseases around ano- rectal area are not piles. Piles (hemorrhoids ) is only one among the many diseases which occurs in that area.

- Constipation, straining in the toilet for a long time, frequently eating out side , eating junk food, high spicy diet ,regular use of laxatives, avoiding fruits and vegetable in the diet, inadequate intake of liquids --leads to many ano- rectal problems. Moments you notice any problem, consult your doctor, specially elderly persons.

- Never see quacks( unauthorized and unqualified , self proclaimed practitioners ) for your problems. Always consult qualified specialist from any system of medicine you have faith.

- Many medicines causes ano-rectal problems. Unnecessary use of medications, over the counter medicines( medicines bought without doctors prescriptions) should be avoided.