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April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the lower part of your digestive system. This disorder can cause discomfort, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. IBS is a common, chronic (long-lasting) condition. For many people with IBS, diet and lifestyle changes are enough to help manage the disorder. In some severe cases, medication or other medical treatments may be necessary.
Common symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal (stomach) pain that goes away after a bowel movement
Changes in the shape of your stool following abdominal pain
Bloating (feeling like your stomach is full of gas)
Gas
Mucus in stool
Changes in the frequency of bowel movements following abdominal pain
Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. However, symptoms have been linked to several factors, including:
Abdominal infection
Stress
Disorder of the gut-brain axis (issues with the communication that happens between your nervous and digestive systems)
Family history of IBS
Treatment for IBS may differ based on your symptoms. A provider may recommend:
Dietary changes
Avoiding certain foods
Certain medications to relieve symptoms
There is no specific test to confirm that you have IBS. If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, your provider will review your medical history, conduct an examination and may order tests to rule out other causes and conditions. A provider will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms happening in your digestive system.
For information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, visit here.
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