Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Understanding Family Doctor

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disFree Download that affects the large intestine. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is not a serious condition, but it can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating one.

IBS is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Abnormal muscle contractions in the colon: The muscles in the colon can contract too often or too forcefully, which can lead to abdominal pain and cramping.
• Increased sensitivity to pain: People with IBS may be more sensitive to pain in their colon than people without IBS.
• Changes in the gut microbiome: The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in the gut. Changes in the gut microbiome have been linked to IBS.
• Stress: Stress can trigger IBS symptoms in some people.

The most common symptoms of IBS include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Understanding) (Family Doctor)

by Kenneth Kee

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	91 pages
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• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation
• Mucus in the stool
• Feeling the need to have a bowel movement frequently
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Difficulty passing stool
• Abdominal pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement

There is no specific test for IBS. Your doctor will diagnose IBS based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may also Free Download tests to rule out other conditions, such as:

• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance

There is no cure for IBS, but there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms. These treatments include:

• Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce IBS symptoms. Some foods that may trigger IBS symptoms include:
  • High-FODMAP foods (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)
  • Gluten
  • Dairy products
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
• Lifestyle changes: Making some lifestyle changes can also help to reduce IBS symptoms. These changes include:
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Managing stress
  • Getting enough sleep
• Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat IBS symptoms. These medications include:
  • Antispasmodics
  • Antidiarrheals
  • Laxatives
  • Antidepressants

IBS is a chronic condition, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and live a full and active life. Here are some tips for living with IBS:

• Learn about your triggers: Pay attention to what foods and situations seem to trigger your IBS symptoms. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them or manage them.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce IBS symptoms. Some foods that may be helpful for IBS include:
  • Low-FODMAP foods
  • Soluble fiber
  • Probiotics
• Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve digestion and reduce stress.
• Manage stress: Stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so it is important to find ways to manage stress. Some helpful stress-reducing techniques include:
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Tai chi
• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep can help to improve your overall health and well-being, which can also help to reduce IBS symptoms.

If you are struggling to manage your IBS symptoms, talk to your doctor. There are a number of treatments available that can help you to live a full and active life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Understanding) (Family Doctor)

by Kenneth Kee

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	91 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE