irritable bowel syndrome and ibs symtoms

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Your Journey into Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

As its name indicates, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a syndrome. That is, IBS is a combination of signs and symptoms, but not a disease. IBS is classified as a functional disorder. A functional disorder refers to a condition where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable inflammatory, infectious, structural, or biochemical cause.

Research also indicates that IBS is a multi-faceted disorder. For example, the symptoms of IBS result from what seems to be a disturbance or imbalance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, sensory function, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function).

The articles on this site are provided to help you to better understand Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and your options for relief of these symptoms.

Click Here right arrow For a Special Report on the causes and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome


What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Knowing whether you have irritable bowel syndrome or not can be found if you know what it means and what types of symptoms it includes. By defining the different areas of irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, you can then begin to make the necessary steps to healing from the problem. It is also important to understand why IBS occurs and the factors that are related to it.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that takes place by the lower intestine and then moves into the colon. This entire area will be stressed and unable to function at it’s proper level. From here, certain factors, such as stress or physical conditions will cause symptoms from these areas. Stress, physical problems, etc. irritate this area, causing a variety of conditions to be part of the problem.

One of the major signs for IBS is having pain in your abdomen and gut area. You may become hypersensitive or feel cramped. Your colon may also respond to these symptoms by having constipation and diarrhea or a combination of both. Your lower intestine and abdomen area continue to be irritated and not be able to take the stress of the body. Most will feel these symptoms after a meal or after something stresses them out during the day.

There are several reasons why IBS may occur. One of the most well known factors is from stress related problems. If you have family, work, emotional or physical stresses, it will cause your body to react in order to get you to relax. Another reason for IBS could be because of the way your muscle is moving in the lower intestine. The intestine will not have the ability to stress or move, causing it to react with irritation.

The things that you are eating may also play a part in the occurrence of IBS. If the symptoms have not been as consistent, you can easily change this by changing your diet. IBS may be occurring because you do not have enough fiber in your diet. This is one of the more popular reasons for problems from your lower intestines. Increasing fiber will help get rid of IBS. You can also take laxatives to relax your lower intestine and try to control the movements.

If you don’t take care of IBS when it begins to occur, you may have several other problems that result. If the symptoms don’t go away, it is best to see a doctor to see what options there are. If not, it can lead to dehydration or malnutrition. You will also have problems with normal activities and functioning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome that occurs in several people. If you notice that you have these symptoms, it is best to find a treatment for them to give your body the relaxation that it needs. By doing this, you will be able to move back to your everyday functioning and relieve your body of the pains that it is having in the lower abdomen area.


For information on a number of other common health problems, be sure to check out our home page at Common Health Problems.

Health problems are becoming more common as the "baby boom" generation gets older and will continue to do so for the next 20 years or so. Bowel problems are no exception.

 

Risk Factors for IBS

The main risk factors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include:

  • Sex
  • Family History

For example, you are far more likely to have IBS if you're young and female. In fact, two to three times as many women as men have the condition.

In addition, IBS does seem to run in families, possibly suggesting a genetic cause for the condition.

However, at the current time, the precise cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not known.

New Irritable Bowel Information

  • What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Knowing whether you have irritable bowel syndrome or not can be found if you know what it means and what types of symptoms it includes. By defining the different areas of irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, you can then begin to make the necessary steps to healing from the problem. It is also important to understand why IBS occurs and the factors that are related to it. Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that takes place by the lower inte ...
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    CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

  • Organizations That Can Help with IBS
    Organizations That Can Help with IBS If you are dealing with IBS, you may also be looking into different sources that can help you with the syndrome. There are several associations and organizations that have been built in order to provide information and support for those that are battling Irritable Bowel Syndrome. By looking into different areas, you can find the best organization to provide you with information about IBS. Before you make a decision on what you would like to use for ...
    Author:
    CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

    IBS in the News


    01/05/2009
    Discovery Could Improve Understanding Of Ulcerative Colitis, Lead To New Therapies
    An international team led by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers has identified genetic markers associated with risk for ulcerative colitis. The findings, which appear as an advance online publication of the journal Nature Genetics, bring researchers closer to understanding the biological pathways involved in the disease and may lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target them.

    more IBS info


    01/02/2009
    GeneThera Will Test Milk And Dairy Products Due To Evidence Linking Johne's Disease To IBS And Crohn's Disease
    GeneThera, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GTHR) announced it will begin testing of raw and processed milk and dairy products using its Real Time PCR test for Johne's disease through its Wheat Ridge, CO laboratory.

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    12/23/2008
    New Recommendations Released For Treatment Of IBS
    Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, it's also one of the most misunderstood. That's why updated guidelines addressing the management of the condition are being released by the American College of Gastroenterology.

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    12/19/2008
    Gut Instincts: What Harms Some Cells May Protect Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    In a finding that could lead to improved treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Yale University researchers have uncovered a key mechanism in the immune system that appears to offer protection from the disorder. Their work appears in the December 19 issue of Immunity. IBD is caused by an immune response gone awry. Detecting an inflammatory threat, T helper cells, which boost the body's defense system, overreact.

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    12/16/2008
    Study Examines Association Of Race And Insurance Status With Presentation And Surgical Treatment Of Diverticulitis
    Among patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis, race was associated with a complicated presentation and in-hospital mortality, but not with receiving a colostomy, whereas insurance status was associated with complicated presentation, in-hospital mortality and receiving a colostomy, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

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  • 10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
    Detoxification program for Radiation, Heavy Metals, Mercury, and Food Chemicals such as Aspartame!

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