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Irritable bowel syndrome Introduction |
Irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) is not a disease,
but a functional disorder. In IBS,
the colon is affected by motor
dysfunction. The nerve fibers in the
colon of individuals with IBS are
thought to be hypersensitive. This
dysfunction causes the symptoms of
IBS, such as constipation and
diarrhea. Individuals with IBS may
also have abnormalities in the
normal flora in the colon, which can
further aggrevate the symptoms of IBS.
Improper function and
hypersensitivity of the colon may be
due to many factors. Stress,
food triggers, drugs, emotions, and
hormones may all contribute to the
onset of this condition. There is no underlying
disease or cause for IBS. Because of
this, IBS is typically seen as a
diagnosis of exclusion. IBS can be
diagnosed only after a physician has
ruled out other possible causes of the
symptoms..
Irritable bowel
syndrome affects both men
and women, though it affects women
more. It is usually diagnosed
in between the ages of 20 and 30
years, but may be diagnosed into
the 60's. Over the past
decade, IBS has become more prevalent in children
and young adults. [1]
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Irritable bowel syndrome Symptoms
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Individuals with
irritable bowel syndrome can have
a wide variety of symptoms.
The most common complaints are;
constipation, bloating, gas,
abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucous
in the stool.
There are two main
clinical types of IBS:
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The first is
constipation predominate.
In this form of IBS, the patient has constipation that
fluctuates with normal stool
frequency. They often suffer
from an increased pain
in the lower abdomen, especially on
the left side, and is relieved by a
bowel movement. The stool often has
excess amounts of mucous. These
patients also can complain of
bloating, flatulence, nausea, and
dyspepsia.
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The other clinical
type is diarrhea predominate. These
individuals will have diarrhea that is
urgent on rising and after meals. Patients will also have pain,
bloating, and incontinence. [2]
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Irritable bowel syndrome
Statistics |
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It is estimated
that 35 million, or 1 in 5
Americans, has IBS
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Even though 10-20%
of Americans are affected by IBS,
only 15% of them will seek
treatment
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Women are more
likely than men to seek treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome accounts for
more than 3 million doctor visits each year. [3]
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Learn More About
Irritable bowel syndrome |
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