CATEGORIES Auto & Trucks Business & Finance Computers & Internet Education Family Food & Drink Gadgets and Gizmos Health Hobbies Home Improvement Humor Kids & Teens Legal Marketing Men Music and Movies Online Business Parenting Pets and Animals Politics and Government Recreation & Sports Relationships Religion and Faith Self Improvement Site Promotion Travel & Leisure Web Development Women Writing Keyword Search Article Title Author's Name SITE MENU Search Submit An Article Submit Articles in Bulk Submit Press Release Syndicate Articles Distribute Articles Privacy Policy Terms of Use Link To Us Contact Us Site Map Home

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments  by: Paul MacIver Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional disorder of the intestines which causes abdominal pain, often accompanied by cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. It is also referred to as spastic colon or mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome is more commonly known by its abbreviated term - IBS. There are three forms of IBS depending on the symptoms -- diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) and IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). Clinical investigations are going on a new IBS subtype, post-infectious IBS (IBS-PI). Symptoms of IBS IBS symptoms include: • Abdominal pain • Discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits • Fewer than three bowel movements a week • More than three bowel movements a day • Hard or lumpy stools • Loose or watery stools • Straining during a bowel movement • Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement) • Feeling of incomplete bowel movement • Passing mucus (white material) during a bowel movement • Abdominal fullness, bloating, or swelling • Chronic pelvic pain • Mental stress • Fibromyalgia and various mental disorders • Researchers believe that there are neurological and psychological disorders associated with IBS. Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown, but there are factors that may aggravate the trouble. Dietary factors and stress don’t exactly cause IBS, but they can aggravate it. Various studies and researches have noted an IBS connection to diet. Physicians feel that the correct diet can provide IBS relief. Common IBS diet advice includes: • Eat soluble fiber foods and supplements. • Substitute dairy products for soy or rice products. • Be careful with fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber. • Eat small amounts in regular intervals to lessen the symptoms of IBS. • Avoid eating red meat, oily or fatty (and fried) products. • Avoid taking dairy products (especially when lactose intolerance is suspected). • Avoid solid chocolate, coffee (regular and decaffeinated), alcohol, carbonated beverages and artificial sweeteners. IBS Treatment IBS treatment includes dietary advice and medication. Developing good dietary habits may be the best treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Medications can provide instant IBS relief. These may include stool softeners and laxatives in constipation-predominant, and antidiarrheal (loperamide) in diarrhea-predominant IBS. The low dosage of tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants has shown to be the most widely prescribed medications for helping to relieve symptoms of visceral sensitivity (pain) and diarrhea or constipation respectively. Other medications include: • Alosetron: Alosetron is a selective 5-HT3 antagonist for IBS-D. It is only available for women in the United States under a restricted access program, due to severe risks of side effects if taken mistakenly by IBS-A or IBS-C sufferers. • Cilansetron: Cilansetron is also a selective 5-HT3 antagonist that is undergoing further clinical studies in Europe for IBS-D sufferers. • Tegaserod: Tegaserod is a selective 5-HT4 antagonist for IBS-C. It has shown to have an excellent safety profile for relieving IBS constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation. About The Author Paul MacIver writes about health conditions including IBS and Crohn's Disease. For further information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome visit http://www.beat-ibs.info/ or to read how hypnotherapy can be used to beat IBS check out http://www.online-ibs-help.info/. This article was posted on March 20, 2006 Read More Articles from the "Health" Category: Sandalwood Oil - Aromatherapy For The Mind, Body, And Spirit by Misty Rae Cech, ND 4 Steps To Better Health by Ryan Cote Natural Remedy Succeeds Against Cancer And Hiv In South Africa by Tony Isaacs The Care of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Leroy Gastering Aromatherapy Oils by Ric Wiley Juice Sensibility by Gabriel Foster Diets Don't Work - 4 Ways To Lose Weight Naturally by Mark Idzik How To Lose The Pooch Belly- Removing the Belly Bulge by Gary Cheung Why You Should Use A Treadmill... Or Run Outside by Paul Johnson Be Aware Of Your Reasons by Greg McPhail << Back to "Health" Index

Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors
and do not necessarily represent the views of ArticleCity.com and/or its partners.

	Web www.articlecity.com