What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the colon, or large intestine. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscles that constrict and relax to move food through your intestinal tract to your rectum. In individuals with IBS, the contractions are stronger than usual or last longer than usual, which causes bloating, diarrhea, and gas. On the other hand, some IBS sufferers have weak intestinal contractions, which slows food movement and leads to dry, hard stools. IBS is generally classified under one of four categories: IBS with constipation, IBS with diarrhea, Mixed IBS, or Unsubtyped IBS. Approximately 10% to 15% of American adults suffer from some form of IBS.Common Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The symptoms of IBS vary widely from individual to individual and often resembles those of other disorders. For IBS sufferers, symptoms may be worse at times, while other times they may improve or even disappear altogether. Some of the most common symptoms of IBS include:
Common Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- A bloated feeling
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Diarrhea or constipation, sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
- Feeling that the bowel movement is incomplete
- Mucous in your stool
Trigger symptoms differ in IBS sufferers. While some stimuli may affect one person, they may prove ineffective in another. For some, a food intolerance or food allergies can trigger IBS symptoms. Certain foods, such as spices, fats, chocolate, cabbage, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, alcohol, and carbonated beverages have all been credited with triggering IBS symptoms in some individuals.
Stress, though it has not been found to cause IBS, can play a role in the onset of IBS symptoms. Many people with IBS find that their symptoms tend to worsen or occur more often during times of intense stress. Hormones can also play a role in the development of IBS. According to research, women may be more likely to develop IBS as a result of hormonal changes that occur. For many women with IBS, symptoms tend to worsen around or during their menstrual cycle.
Sometimes other conditions, such as excessive bacteria in the intestines or a severe bout of diarrhea, can trigger IBS. Your family history may also increase your risk of developing IBS. Studies indicate that people who have a family member with IBS may be at increased risk of developing the condition. Irregularities in your gastrointestinal nervous system may also spur IBS. A lack of coordinating signals between the intestines and your brain can cause your body to overreact to the activities that usually occur during the digestive process, which can cause you to experience a more intense than usual discomfort when your abdomen expands from stool or gas. Depression, anxiety and certain personality disorders have also been shown to increase the risk of developing IBS.