Irritable bowel syndrome is a function disease, which means that the disorder is due to the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract organs. Scientists assume that it is the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract that makes the organs not work properly. It is one of the common gastrointestinal disorders.

About one of 10 visits to the doctor is a complaint about IBS. Most of them present mild symptoms. Women are three times more likely to have IBS, especially during their period. Although common, irritable bowel syndrome is difficult to diagnose. To be able to confirm the occurrence of IBS, certain gastrointestinal diseases must be ruled out first.

Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and blood tests may be performed to exclude some of the diseases, especially those that are life threatening. Here are some of the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom 1: Diarrhea and/or constipation

Some patients have diarrhea, some have constipation while some have an alternation of both conditions. Scientists believe that this is due to the dysfunction of the transport process in the intestine. A rapid transport process results to diarrhea while a fast transport process results to constipation.

Patients with IBS seem to have a very sensitive stomach. Even a small intake of milk, fat or even any other food could make them go to the bathroom.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom 2: Presence of mucus in the stool

Although this is not one of primary feature in a set of criteria by Rome II to confirm IBS, it still supports the occurrence of IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom 3: Abdominal pain

According to the set of criteria by Rome II, the patient must experience abdominal pain for a total of at least 12 weeks for the last 12 months in order to classify the pain as a feature of IBS. The abdominal pain must also be relieved upon defecation. It is also important that the occurrence of diseases like intestinal inflammation and megacolon has already been ruled out before concluding this.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom 4: Change in the frequency and/or appearance of stools when experiencing abdominal pain

Those who suspect that they may have IBS may record this observation and present it to a physician upon consultation.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom 5: Passing gas, bloating

A number of patients with IBS are found to have a high concentration of hydrogen in their breath. This is also an indicator of the condition called small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), which means that there is an unusually high level of bacteria that produces the gas in the small intestine. The relevance of SIBO with IBS is yet to be confirmed.

Irritable bowel disease may be prevalent but it is not yet fully understood. The subjectivity of the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and its different subtypes makes it unattractive for research. The lack of understanding for its mechanism also makes it difficult to find a cure.

For now, the available therapies are for its symptoms. There were drugs released in the market that are exclusive for IBS-related diarrhea and constipation. However, they were either pulled out or put under restriction due to their serious side effects. Anti-depressant drugs were also given to patients with IBS though it is not clear whether the depression is the cause or the result of IBS.

The irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may also be alleviated through lifestyle habits. Fiber-rich diets could lessen abdominal pain and constipation. Staying away from fat-rich foods and lessening lactose intake may also be helpful. Regular exercise, enough rest and sleep and meditation helps ease stress which aggravates the symptoms.

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