While the actual causes of IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, are unknown the definition of the medical state has been made clear. First, it is NOT a disease. It is a condition, or state of bowel function. It is a collection of symptoms that occur due to a change in the gastrointestinal tract function and may be temporary or long term. The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are associated with abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with changes in bowel habits.
Having bowel movements more or less often than usual. This is one of the most common signs of IBS. The rate of change in bowel movement amount does not necessarily add up to dramatic amounts or absences of bowel movements, but does constitute a significant change in individual habits.
Having looser or harder bowel movements. Changes in gastrointestinal tract function can lead to a change in individual norms for consistency of bowel movements. The changes can create faster or slower stool movement through the tract and result in looser or harder movements.
Having more watery or more lumpy bowel movements. Changes in stool composition is another of the common IBS symptoms. It is due to the changes in the speed with which stool passes through the gastrointestinal tract and how much or how little water is absorbed by the bowel movement during the process.
The pain or discomfort improves after bowel movement. The pain or discomfort associated with the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are caused by stool passing through the changing gastrointestinal tract. This pain lessens when no stool is present.
Diarrhea is abnormally inconsistent, or exceptionally watery, stool that occurs more than three times a day. This symptom usually occurs in combination with moderate to severe abdominal cramping, intense urges to have a bowel movement, and difficulty with sphincter control. Long-lasting diarrhea creates a high risk of dehydration.
Constipation occurs when there are long lapses between bowel movements. This creates a high volume, highly dense stool that results in painful passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Severe constipation can result in intestinal blockage and intestinal wall rupture.
The feeling that a bowel movement is incomplete can be caused by constipation, in which part of the bowel movement is slower in passing than the rest. It can be a minor or moderate hemorrhoid caused by sphincter irritation due to constipation, diarrhea, or elevated volumes of stool passage. It could be the result of overworked abdominal muscles, or stressed out pain receptors that are still sending messages to the brain.
Passing mucus in stool may be caused by an increase in mucus production. The gastrointestinal tract makes mucus to protect its wall and excess material is disposed of with other waste products. Tests should be done in this case, as with all other symptoms, to ensure that the cause is not a more serious condition.
At Medical Meals we offer a meal replacement solution called Intestinal Relief. This product offers IBS relief by modulating inflammatory and pain processes associated with IBS.