On one hand, Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be slight with its discomfort easily controlled by dietary modification, by management of stress and a variety of doctor prescribed or over-the counter medications. On the other hand, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be severe enough to be so debilitating that work, travel or social functions are impossible to bear. However, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is also known as IBS, is not life-threatening, it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines, nor does it lead to more serious health conditions such as cancer.
Not to insinuate that this may be a consolation to its sufferers, but the fact is that better than twenty percent of the adult population of the United States or about one in every five persons over the age of eighteen have been diagnosed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This fact, therefore, makes it one of the most common health issues diagnosed by medical professionals. Women are more prone to it than men and it seems to set in before the age of thirty five in fifty percent of both men and women sufferers.
The most commonly experienced symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome are abdominal pain, bloating and gas. In addition, some people experience constipation while others experience diarrhea. Still other people who have been diagnosed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome experience bouts alternating between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes the symptoms settle down for several weeks or months before returning and at other times there seems to be no reprieve from symptoms that are constantly worsening.
Causes of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The exact cause or causes of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome are yet to be uncovered but there are a number of theories. One such theory points to sufferers whose colon (the large intestine) is overly sensitive and highly reactive to certain foods and stress or even a bacterial infection.
• The color temporarily abandons its normal functions or it becomes spasmodic with strong muscular contractions that come and go.
• The epithelium or the lining of the colon that regulates the passing of fluids in and out of the colon seems to continue its normal process in sufferers of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, when the contents within the colon move too rapidly, the colon is unable to properly absorb the fluids which then remain in the stool and the symptoms of diarrhea appear. Conversely, when the contents within the colon more too slowly, the colon absorbs too much of the fluids which leads to symptoms of constipation.
• Certain foods may cause the overly sensitive colon to respond with a strong reaction which translates into pain and the discomfort of gas.
• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or a chemical that transmits messages from one part of the body to another. Ninety five percent of the serotonin is present within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract while the remaining five percent is in the brain. Serotonin loses its effective transmitting power in sufferers of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and such changes lead to pain, discomfort and cramping.
• Some people who have had a gastrointestinal infection called Gastroenteritis often develop the Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is then referred to as the Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• The Celiac Disease, which is the inability to digest gluten which is a component of wheat, rye and barley, has been found to go hand-in-hand with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome in some sufferers.
Seeking Relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome
To relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it is recommended to eliminate or to avoid the following:
• The intake of large quantities of food at one time such as at big meals.
• The ingestion of caffeine such as present in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and some soft drinks.
• The consuming of products containing wheat, rye, barley, dairy or alcohol.
• Stress, tension, emotional upsets due to conflicts and so on.
If avoiding the above has sufficiently relieved symptoms, it is time to seek medical advice.
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