Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition that affects the large intestine. Although this is a rather common disorder, no specific cause has been identified through research. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, more women are affected by the disorder than men. Close to 20 percent of the adult population in America is affected by symptoms. Fortunately, although it causes significant abdominal symptoms, it does not permanently harm the intestines.
Risk Factors
According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, IBS usually begins before the age of 35 in 50 percent of the people diagnosed. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed, and those who have a family history of irritable bowel syndrome are at greater risk for this condition. First-degree relatives bear the greatest potential for passing along irritable bowel syndrome, such as parents or siblings.
Symptoms
A number of symptoms usually occur together characterizing the condition. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, the key symptom is pain or discomfort in the abdomen or the area below the chest and above the hips. Most other symptoms are related to habits surrounding bowel movements, such as pain with bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation. Abdominal pain is usually described as cramps or a generalized ache. Other individuals experienced a sharp or gaslike pain that often gets better after a bowel movement.
Patterns
Physicians look for specific patterns of symptoms. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, a doctor will take a detailed history looking for patterns. Approximately 25 to 50 percent of individuals report experiencing heartburn, nausea, abdominal fullness and bloating. Nongastrointestinal symptoms may also include fatigue, muscle pain, sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunction. Patterns of alternating diarrhea and constipation can sometimes seem contradictory.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is usually made on the basis of a complete medical history. Because no specific cause has been identified, there is also no specific test. The physician may recommend stool samples, blood tests and X-rays in order to rule out the potential for other medical conditions. Typically, a physician will also perform a colonoscopy in order to see inside the colon. If the tests are all negative, the diagnosis may be based on reported symptoms and the length of time in which those symptoms have been present.
Diet
According to FamilyDoctor.org, foods that are high in fat or caffeine can cause the intestines to contract and cause cramping. Individuals find that alcohol and chocolate may make these symptoms worse, and foods that normally cause gas can cause an increased amount of gas and symptoms, such as beans, cabbage and some fruits. Dairy products seem to make symptoms worse, especially when individuals are lactose intolerant.
Stress
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, like other organs within the body, the colon is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This system reacts in response to stress. People without the condition may experience butterflies or cramps with stress, but people with IBS may experience cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation when under stress.
Treatment
Because there is no clear cause of the condition, treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors may suggest fiber supplementation, antidiarrheal medications, eliminating high-gas foods, anticholinergic medications, stress reduction, antibiotics and antidepressant medication. Two medications that are currently approved for the use of irritable bowel syndrome include alosetron and lubiprostone. The first is a nerve receptor designed to relax the colon, and the second is approved for women only and works to increase fluid secretion in the small intestine to assist with constipation.
