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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What You Need to Know

By Katie A. Price

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the colon, wherein the patient experiences episodes of abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea, and a feeling of fullness. The exact mechanism of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown but it is most likely linked to intake of dairy products because symptoms usually occur after ingesting dairy products. Although irritable bowel syndrome causes these discomforts, it doesn't pose as a serious disease.

Like what medical professionals say, patients shouldn't be troubled about their health in general. True enough that they experience a lot of discomforts but they shouldn't be worried that they have a major illness such as cancer. One example of discomfort that these patients would experience is diarrhea or passage of loose and watery stools.

Diarrhea experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome is the same as the diarrhea experienced by others. Stools are often soft, loose and watery. Once a person feels the need to defecate, it can't be controlled no matter how much effort you put in controlling it. Another symptom that causes disturbance in the normal living is the alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

Medical professionals often say that the colon of a person with irritable bowel syndrome is very sensitive especially to some foods. The reason for this sensitivity is not yet known but they have linked it to foods that normally cause irritability like dairy products. Medical professionals have also deduced that those with lactose intolerance are also prone to develop irritable bowel syndrome.

There is no specific procedure to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. A diagnosis is purely based on the patients manifestations of signs and symptoms. This is why irritable bowel syndrome can't be treated as a serious medical condition; rather, it is called a syndrome because of the groups of signs and symptoms showing up. The medical term itself can be literally translated to how the person feels when symptoms occur.

Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is mainly to relieve the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Physicians often prescribe a diet specifically for patients with irritable bowel syndrome because the symptoms are caused by diet itself. Typically, a high fiber diet with adequate water intake is recommended.

A high fiber diet can be achieved by ingesting fruits and vegetables. These foods are very rich in fiber that aids in the process of digestion. A high fiber diet is recommended for patients with irritable bowel syndrome because of the manifestations of constipation and diarrhea. With fiber, it cleanses the colon and promotes bulk in the stool, relieving diarrhea. As for constipation, since fiber aids in digestion, adequate water intake should also be included in the high fiber diet to soften the stool and relieve constipation.

Once you are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, necessary lifestyle modifications should be done. Major diet changes are also recommended to avoid the manifestations of the symptoms. Increased physical activity is also required to promote a healthy lifestyle. - 17273

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