Irritable Bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is as annoying as its name suggests and usually causes crampy pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms of this common disorder of the intestines vary from person to person. For example, some people may experience constipation (difficult or infrequent bowel movements) while others have diarrhea (frequent loose stools, often with an urgent need to move the bowels), and some people have both symptoms.

Remember that "normal" bowel functions vary from person to person, from three stools a day to three a week. Normal stool is formed but not hard, contains no blood, and is passed without cramps or pain.Although the cause of IBS is unknown, people with IBS seem to have a colon (also known as the large intestine) that is more sensitive than normal. The colon connects the small intestine with the rectum and anus, and colon movement is controlled by nerves and hormones.

Certain triggers, such as foods, gas, medications or stress, may cause an overreaction in the colon of a person with IBS.IBS has been called by various names, including colitis, mucous colitis and spastic colon, but these terms are inaccurate. IBS does not cause permanent harm to the intestines. In fact, doctors refer to IBS as a functional disorder because there is no physical sign of disease when the colon is examined.Most people with chronic IBS are able to control their symptoms after visiting their doctor for an exam and taking prescription medications, making diet changes and adopting stress management techniques.

For some individuals, however, IBS may become disabling if symptoms, such as diarrhea, prevent them from leaving their home for work or social events.

What to Do

See your doctor if there is blood in your stool; if you have a fever; if you experience unexplained weight loss; or if you suffer from persistent, severe abdominal pain.

Use Medicine Effectively

Fiber supplements or occasional laxatives may help constipation symptoms, but consult your doctor first. Research indicates that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, so if you are taking reproductive hormones, keep in mind that they may increase IBS symptoms. Many prescription medications are used in the treatment of IBS including anti-depressants, anxiolytics, bowel stimulants, meds to prevent diarrhea and others.  Two new medications have been approved by the FDA.  Tegaserod (Zelnorm®) is used to treat constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C).  Alosetron (Lotronex®) is used to treat diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D).  Both are potent medications and must be used under the strict care of your physician.

Self-care Steps for Irritable Bowel

• Keep a diary of your daily diet and avoid foods — for example, chocolate — that seem to cause IBS distress.

• Avoid fatty foods, especially meats, poultry skin, whole milk, cream, cheese, butter, vegetable oil, margarine, shortening, avocados and whipped toppings.

• Add dietary fiber, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits and vegetables, to reduce the symptoms of IBS.

• Limit alcohol intake.

• Limit or avoid caffeine, because it may cause loose stools in those with IBS.

• Eat smaller meals more often or smaller portions to limit cramping and diarrhea.

• Because stress has been found to contribute to IBS, ask your doctor to recommend stress reduction techniques to help relieve symptoms of IBS.