Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem affecting about one in ten adults. Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not well understood. Irritable bowel syndrome is a distressing and embarrassing condition whose precise causes and treatment are the subject of much dispute. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common intestinal disorder seen by doctors today. Much of the pain in irritable bowel syndrome is caused by abnormal contractions of the lining of the intestines.
IBS has become the most reported gastrointestinal disorder in American today. A given episode may be milder or more severe than the one before it, but; the disorder itself does not become worse over time. It's a functional disorder, which means that the bowel doesn't work as it should. However, some people may have both IBS and another digestive disorder. Although a very common disorder shared by many Americans, the true cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) still remains a mystery.
IBS primarily affects women. IBS affects 14-24% of women and 5-19% of men. It affects people of all ages, including children. IBS affects each person differently. Any ailment that affects up to 22 million people becomes a real concern.
The common features of IBS are chronic abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and a general change in bowel habits. The discomfort and inconvenience that results form the gut-wrenching pain of irritable bowel syndrome are very real. Abdominal pain occurred at least minimally 62% of days of the onset of the attack. The pain often appears after a meal and goes away after a bowel movement. Alteration of intestinal microflora is associated with reduction in abdominal bloating and pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Allergy avoidance diets have been very helpful at relieving the pain and discomfort of the disorder for many patients.
If you're still wondering what exactly irritable bowel syndrome is and whether or not you have it, it's important to see a physician. Irritable bowel syndrome is not well understood. This often very painful disorder is a distressing and embarrassing condition the precise causes and treatments are the subject of much dispute. Since the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not clear, it may be difficult to prevent.