A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Medical Questions » Irritable Bowel Syndrome
| Name: Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| Also known as: Functional Indigestion; IBS; Mucus Colitis; Nervous Dyspepsia; Spastic Colon |
| Abnormal spasms of the muscles in the wall of the large intestine. The gut is a long tube with bands of muscle running along and around it. The movement of the food from one end to the other is the result of rhythmic contractions of these muscles which send waves and ripples along the gut to push food along. Nutrients are removed from the gut, and only non-absorbable fiber and roughage remains to be passed out through the anus. Up to 20% of adults have symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome at some time, but only a fraction of these people require medical treatment. |
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If the diet consists of large amounts of refined foods with little fibre content, the bulk of the faeces is reduced. When the muscles in the large intestine contract, they may have very little to push along, and this may lead to spasms of the gut. People with tense personalities or continuing stress will find that their intestine acts more rapidly than normal due to overstimulation. Over a number of years, the combination of a low-fibre diet, anxiety, stress and hereditary factors may lead to the development of this syndrome. It is more common in women. |
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Abdominal pain caused by intense spasms of the bowel muscle, alternating constipation and diarrhea, passage of wind by mouth and anus, nausea, loss of appetite and mucus on the stools. Once established, the pattern may be very difficult to break, as the symptoms cause further anxiety in the victim, which in turn exacerbates the original symptoms. |
Tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
No definite tests can prove the diagnosis, but all other causes must be excluded by exhaustive investigations such as an X-ray of the large intestine (barium enema) or colonoscopy. |
Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A diet high in fibre and low in dairy products and processed foods, plus high-fibre dietary supplements in some cases. Regular meal and toilet habits should be established, and tobacco and alcohol intake should be restricted. Reassurance is very important, and anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants and psychotherapy may all prove useful. In severe cases, drugs are used to reduce the activity of gut muscles. Occasionally pain-killers are also necessary.
|
Complications of Irritable Bowel Syndrome of its treatment
None serious. |
Likely Outcome of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Usually occurs intermittently for many years. |
|
|
