Many people who experience irritable bowel syndrome have symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramping and pain, constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms can cause discomfort and uneasiness in the person, but does not cause any major damage. With proper diet and medications, most of these symptoms can be controlled and prevented. Irritable bowel syndrome can be more of a nuisance than anything as most people find it difficult to travel long periods of time and even enjoy outings. There are more women than men who have irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome occurs one in out of five Americans. 50% of Americans who have irritable bowel syndrome, usually get it before they reach the age of 35.
Although the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are bloating, stomach cramps and abdominal discomfort, there are other symptoms and they may vary within different people. Constipation or infrequent bowel movements can occur in which makes it difficult to produce a bowel movement and at the same time the inability to produce stool. Mucus may be found in the stool as well of people having diarrhea.
There’s not one certain type of test that is preformed for irritable bowel syndrome, but diagnostic testing can be done to rule out any other problems. Some of the tests that may be given to the patients are; blood tests, sample testings, x rays and colonoscopy. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to look down a small flexible tube with a camera through the anus. The doctor can then view the image of the colon on a large screen.
Patients may be given fiber pills or laxatives to help with the constipation. Other medication may be given by the doctor for diarrhea. A popular OTC medication is Imodium. To help with the abdominal pain, medications such as an antispasmodic may be prescribed to help with the stomach cramps and pain as well as control the muscle spasms in the colon.
The appropriate time to see a doctor is if your condition worsens and you find that you have unexplained weight loss, you become sleepless and waking up during the night, you are more fatigued, there is blood in your stool and if you have abdominal pain that is not relieved when you have a bowel movement or when you pass gas. A cause for alarm is when you experience a high fever or if you have a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Seeing a doctor that specializes in the digestive system is also a good alternative to a general practitioner doctor.
Foods that you will want to avoid to prevent constipation with irritable bowel syndrome include; breads, cereals, chips, cookies, coffee, sodas and alcohol. To prevent diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome, stay away from foods with too much fiber, wheat, dairy beverages, foods with alcohol, chocolate and caffeine as well as fried and fatty foods. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily and avoid taking in large amounts of food at one time. Avoid eating very hot foods with ice cold foods or beverages together.
