Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a grouping of symptoms, not a disease. IBS is a functional disorder where the intestines do not respond correctly to various stimulations of digestion.
Symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Cramping
- Bloating or swelling of the abdominal
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- White mucus in the stool
Since IBS is a collection of symptoms not a disease, doctor’s suspect the condition due to symptoms. Stool analysis or a sigmoidoscopy are often preformed to rule out any other serious conditions. The Rome criteria and the Manning criteria are used to make one of the most accurate diagnosis:
The Manning Criteria
- Onset of pain linked to more frequent bowel movements
- Looser stools associated with onset of pain
- Pain relieved by passage of stool
- Noticeable abdominal bloating
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time
- Diarrhea with mucous more than 25% of the time
The Rome Criteria
3 months of continuous or recurring symptoms of abdominal pain or irritation that:
- May be relieved with a bowel movement,
- May be coupled with a change in frequency, or
- May be related to a change in the consistency of stools.
Two or more of the following are present at least 25 percent (one quarter) of the time:
- A change in stool frequency (more than 3 bowel movement per day or fewer than 3 bowel movements per week)
- Noticeable difference in stool form (hard, loose and watery stools or poorly formed stools)
- Passage of mucous in stools
- Bloating or feeling of abdominal distention
- Altered stool passage (e.g. sensations of incomplete evacuation, straining, or urgency)
IBS itself does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system. Patients should be careful to have a thorough exam and evaluation of medical history before settling with the IBS diagnosis should a more serious medical condition be causing the discomfort.
While some drugs exist on the market to help manage the symptoms of IBS, patients should be directed to:
- Eliminate stress
- Reduce fatty foods
- Eat more fiber
- Medication
- Drink more water
- Eat smaller meals
It can take some time to find a diet that is both satisfying and nutritionally sound while not causing a reoccurrence of symptoms.
Resources
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