Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. However the most common include:

Abdominal pain
Cramping or bloating that is typically relieved or partially relieved by passing a bowel movement
Excess gas
Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation
Mucus in the stool

Symptoms of IBS can be triggered by:

Food:The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS isn't fully understood. A true food allergy rarely causes IBS. But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages, including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.

Stress: Most people with IBS experience worse or more frequent signs and symptoms during periods of increased stress. But while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn't cause them.

Hormones: Women are twice as likely to have IBS, which might indicate that hormonal changes play a role. Many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.

Consult Gastroenterologist if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

More-serious signs and symptoms include:

i. Weight Loss
ii. Diarrhea at night
iii. Rectal bleeding
iv. Iron deficiency anemia
v. Unexplained vomiting
vi. Difficulty swallowing
vii. Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement

IBS doesn’t increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancers, but it can still have a significant effect on your life.

Author's Bio: 

Healix Hospitals is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of healthcare. Be it having the finest doctors, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, or nursing with a smile. The hospital has a sound reputation for offering premium services and cares in key areas of healthcare, including surgical gastroenterology, medical gastroenterology, gynecology & obstetrics, Urology, and Orthopedics. Healix has a unique combination of best-in-class technology, put to use by some of the best names in the industry to ensure world-class healthcare to all patients. The hospital creates an environment where the patient feels fully protected.