IBS – The most irritating problem

IBS or 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome' is one of the most common abdominal disorders. This is not actually a disease and called a syndrome primarily because it is a group of symptoms. This is known by a variety of other names like spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhoea or nervous colon.
The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can vary widely from person to person and often look like those of other diseases. Some people's symptoms are so mild that they never see a doctor for treatment. But undoubtedly this is a very irritating problem. Some people may have distressing symptoms like abdominal discomfort or pain or cramps. Many people with IBS have alternating periods of constipation and diarrhoea, but often one problem is more common than the other or a combination of both.
Other common symptoms are bloating, mucous in the stools, or a sense that you have not completely emptied your bowels. In some IBS people, abdominal discomfort is associated with a bowel movement. Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
IBS is diagnosed when a person with above typical symptoms have ruled out other possible causes through routine tests. In fact it is important to have medical tests to rule out other health problems.
The real cause of this syndrome is not properly understood. The nerves and muscles in the gut of IBS people appear to be extra sensitive. The symptoms are thought to be related to imperfect communication between the brain and the digestive tract, which causes abnormal muscle contractions in the tract. Thus the movement of the digestive tract is impaired and can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Otherwise when the bowel stretches, the nerves may react causing cramping or pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term but manageable condition. Treatment is adapted to fit individual needs and usually focuses on changes in diet and lifestyle. That is avoiding foods that activate symptoms, and managing stress. There are certain types of foods that will activate the syndrome. The categories of foods that you need to avoid are coffee, carbonated drinks and fatty foods like french fries.
Sometimes, IBS people find milk products, like cheese or ice cream and chocolate as unfriendly. To find out which foods are problems, keep a diary that tracks what you eat, when symptoms are occurring and what foods always make someone feel sick. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhoea in people with IBS. If this happens, try eating four or five small meals a day instead of less-frequent big meals.
Two things are very important in the treatment of IBS. One is stress and the other is diet which has a lot to do with it. Eating the improper type of food can specifically activate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Although stress does not cause IBS, it can make the symptoms worse. Medications may also be useful. There are also alternative remedies to treat IBS.