Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disorder that sometimes causes significant discomfort even though it is not a serious health threat. The cause of IBS remains unknown. IBS is not related to inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Typical symptoms include abdominal bloating and soreness, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. People with IBS are more likely than others to have backaches, fatigue, and several other seemingly unrelated problems.
How is it treated?
The conventional treatment for IBS includes limiting intake of dairy products, beans, and foods containing caffeine, fructose, or sorbitol. Fructose is found in concentrated amounts in dried fruit and fruit juice. Sorbitol is found primarily in dietetic foods, where it is used instead of table sugar (sucrose). Fiber supplements or laxatives may be prescribed for constipation. When diarrhea or abdominal soreness are present, drugs that control colon muscle spasms and slow the movement of food through the digestive system may be used. Antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs may also be used for people with depression or chronic pain, or for people whose symptoms worsen during periods of stress.
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