Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

PART 1: Background

1a: What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?1b: What is the  prevalence of IBS?1c: What factors contribute to the onset of IBS?1d:  How long does IBS last?1e: What effect does IBS have on one's  lifestyle?1f: Are my symptoms just "all in my head" or psychosomatic?1g:  What factors contribute to health care utilization?

PART 2: Symptoms

2a: What are the symptoms of IBS?2b: How severe are  these symptoms?2c: Does everybody get the same symptoms?

PART 3: Medical Facts

3a: What causes IBS?3b: What is the role of  psychological and/or social factors in IBS?3c: Is IBS  life-threatening?3d: Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancer?3e: Will  IBS lead to IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)?3f: Will my IBS eventually go  away, or will I have it for the rest of my life?

PART 4: Diagnosis

4a: How do I know for sure if I have IBS?4b: Is IBS a  legitimate diagnosis? Should I seek a second opinion?

PART 5: Related Maladies

5a: How does IBS differ from Crohn's disease or ulcerative  colitis?5b: How does IBS differ from gluten enteropathy/celiac  disease?5c: How does IBS relate to other broad-spectrum symdromes, such as  Fibromylagia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS),  Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), and others?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

The primary purpose of the gastrointestinal tract is to digest and absorb  food. In order to fulfill this purpose, food must be ground, mixed, and  transported through the intestines, where it is digested and absorbed. In  addition, undigested and unabsorbed portions of the food must be eliminated from  the body.

In functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as  Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, the grinding, mixing, digestion, and  absorption functions are disturbed to only a minor degree. These functions are  essentially maintained, perhaps because of a built-in over-capacity of the  gastrointestinal tract to perform these functions. The most commonly affected  function in these diseases is transportation. In the stomach and small  intestine, the symptoms of slowed transportation are nausea, vomiting, abdominal  bloating, and abdominal enlargement. The symptom of rapid transportation usually  is diarrhea. The interpretation of symptoms, however, may be more complicated  than this. For example, let's say that a person has abnormally rapid emptying of  the stomach. The sensing of this rapid emptying by the intestinal sensory nerves  normally brings about a motor nerve response to slow emptying of the stomach and  transportation through the small intestine. Thus, rapid emptying of the stomach  may give rise to symptoms of slowed transportation.

In the colon,  abnormally slowed or rapid transportation results in constipation or diarrhea,  respectively. In addition, there may be increased amounts of mucus coating the  stool or a sense of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.

As  discussed previously, normal sensations may be abnormally processed and  perceived. Such an abnormality could result in abdominal bloating and pain.  Abnormally processed sensations from the gastrointestinal organs also might lead  to motor responses that cause symptoms of slowed or rapid transportation.

Slowed transportation of digesting food through the small intestine may  be complicated, for example, by bacterial overgrowth. In bacterial overgrowth,  gas-producing bacteria that are normally restricted to the colon move up into  the small intestine. There, they are exposed to greater amounts of undigested  food than in the colon, which they turn into gas. This formation of gas can  aggravate bloating and/or abdominal distention and result in increased amounts  of flatus (passing gas, or flatulence) and diarrhea.

The  gastrointestinal tract has only a few ways of responding to diseases. Therefore,  the symptoms often are similar regardless of whether the diseases are functional  or non-functional. Thus, the symptoms of both functional and non-functional  gastrointestinal diseases are nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal distention,  diarrhea, constipation, and pain. For this reason, when functional disease is  being considered as a cause of symptoms, it is important that the presence of  non-functional diseases be excluded. In fact, the exclusion of non-functional  diseases usually is more important in evaluating patients who are suspected of  having functional disease. This is so, in large part, because the tests for  diagnosing functional disease are complex, not readily available, and often not  very reliable. In contrast, the tests for diagnosing non-functional diseases are  widely available and sensitive .

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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common ailments of the  bowel (intestines) and affects an estimated 15% of persons in the US. The term,  irritable bowel, is not a particularly good one since it implies that the bowel  is responding irritably to normal stimuli, and this may or may not be the case.  The several names for IBS, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous  colitis, attest to the difficulty of getting a descriptive handle on the  ailment. Moreover, each of the other names is itself as problematic as the term  IBS.

IBS is best described as a functional disease. The concept of  functional disease is particularly useful when discussing diseases of the  gastrointestinal tract. The concept applies to the muscular organs of the  gastrointestinal tract; the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder,  and colon. What is meant by the term, functional, is that either the muscles of  the organs or the nerves that control the organs are not working normally, and,  as a result, the organs do not function normally. The nerves that control the  organs include not only the nerves that lie within the muscles of the organs but  also the nerves of the spinal cord and brain.

Some gastrointestinal  diseases can be seen and diagnosed with the naked eye, such as ulcers of the  stomach. Thus, ulcers can be seen at surgery, on x-rays, and at endoscopies.  Other diseases cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be seen and diagnosed  with the microscope. For example, celiac disease and collagenous colitis are  diagnosed by microscopic examination of biopsies of the small bowel and colon,  respectively. In contrast, gastrointestinal functional diseases cannot be seen  with the naked eye or with the microscope. In some instances, the abnormal  function can be demonstrated by tests, for example, gastric emptying studies or  antro-duodenal motility studies. However, these tests often are complex, are not  widely available, and do not reliably detect the functional abnormalities.  Accordingly, by default, functional gastrointestinal diseases are those  involving the abnormal function of gastrointestinal organs in which  abnormalities cannot be seen in the organs with either the naked eye or the  microscope.

Occasionally, diseases that are thought to be functional are  ultimately found to be associated with abnormalities that can be seen. Then, the  disease moves out of the functional category. An example of this would be  Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach. Many patients with mild upper  intestinal symptoms who were thought to have abnormal function of the stomach or  intestines have been found to have an infection of the stomach with Helicobacter  pylori. This infection can be diagnosed by seeing the bacterium and the  inflammation (gastritis) it causes under the microscope . When the patients are  treated with antibiotics, the Helicobacter, gastritis, and symptoms disappear.  Thus, recognition of Helicobacter pylori infection removed some patients'  diseases from the functional category.

The distinction between  functional disease and non-functional disease may, in fact, be blurry. Thus,  even functional diseases probably have associated biochemical or molecular  abnormalities that ultimately will be able to be measured. For example,  functional diseases of the stomach and intestines may be shown ultimately to be  caused by reduced levels of normal chemicals within the gastrointestinal organs,  the spinal cord, or the brain. Should a disease that is demonstrated to be due  to a reduced chemical still be considered a functional disease? I think not. In  this theoretical situation, we can't see the abnormality with the naked eye or  the microscope, but we can measure it. If we can measure an associated or  causative abnormality, the disease probably should no longer be considered  functional.

Despite the shortcomings of the term, functional, the  concept of a functional abnormality is useful for approaching many of the  symptoms originating from the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract.  This concept applies particularly to those symptoms for which there are no  associated abnormalities that can be seen with the naked eye or the microscope.

While IBS is a major functional disease, it is important to mention a  second major functional disease referred to as dyspepsia, or functional  dyspepsia. The symptoms of dyspepsia are thought to originate from the upper  gastrointestinal tract; the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small  intestine. The symptoms include upper abdominal discomfort, bloating (the  subjective sense of abdominal fullness without objective distension), or  objective distension (swelling, or enlargement). The symptoms may or may not be  related to meals. There may be nausea with or without vomiting and early satiety  (a sense of fullness after eating only a small amount of food).

The  study of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract often is categorized  by the organ of involvement. Thus, there are functional disorders of the  esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and gallbladder. The amount of  research on functional disorders has been focused mostly on the esophagus and  stomach (such as dyspepsia), perhaps because these organs are easiest to reach  and study. Research into functional disorders affecting the small intestine and  colon (for example, IBS) is more difficult to conduct and there is less  agreement among the research studies. This probably is a reflection of the  complexity of the activities of the small intestine and colon and the difficulty  in studying these activities. Functional diseases of the gallbladder, like those  of the small intestine and colon, also are more difficult to study.

Most  individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with symptoms of IBS. In  fact, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-20% of the general  population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists  (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of disorders of the stomach and  intestines) and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care  physicians.

Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic  colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable  colon.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally classified as a  "functional" disorder. A functional disorder refers to a disorder or disease  where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the  body works), rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. It  characterizes a disorder that generally can not be diagnosed in a traditional  way; that is, as an inflammatory, infectious, or structural abnormality that can  be seen by commonly used examination, x-ray, or blood test.

Irritable bowel syndrome is understood as a multi-faceted disorder.  In people with IBS, symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the  interaction between the gut or intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous  system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function) or sensory  function.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of  symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in  bowel pattern, such as loose or more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or  constipation.

Treatment options are available to manage IBS—whether  symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.

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Natural Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a common disorder that is rampant among the American populace. Estimates have shown that over 3 million people have constipation annually in the United States. As if that were not enough, more than 2 million also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The causes of constipation are multifaceted. However, there are varied methods in the meantime that will result in some form of relief for anyone who has got constipation. For the purpose of this write-up, we’ll focus a lot more on the natural home remedies useful in constipation relief around us.

1. Drink water regularly. At least 6 glasses of water a day would be very great and therapeutic. Large amounts of water aids quick digestion and enables easier bowel movement.

2. Adding roasted black gram powder to chapatti made of wheat including the husks too can enhance constipation relief.

3. Molasses which have high calorie content are also very good. Beware though as it has a strong taste and you’ll want to add fruit juice or milk to it when taking it. All you really need is two tablespoonfuls of blackstrap molasses just before sleeping at night.

4. Take half a cup of cabbage juice twice a day. This is very effective in treating and curing constipation.

5. If you have got access to mango, take one in the morning right after brushing before breakfast, and one at night after dinner. Mangoes are very effective bowel movers. There is a sure guarantee that you’ll have to “go” at least twice before nightfall.

6. Create a mixture of Spiegel seeds and warm milk. This is done by dipping the Spiegel seeds (5-10g) in warm milk (200g). To this, mixture, add sugar and you have for yourself a highly effective treatment method.

7. If you are suffering from chronic constipation, take a drink of figs dipped in water in the morning. If taken in copious amounts, you’ll definitely find yourself reaching for the next available toilet.

8. if you want instant relief from constipation, drink water that has been kept in a copper container and has been left overnight. It acts as a superb constipation relief.

9. Get half a glass of water and mix one-quarter (¼) of Epsom salts with it for fast constipation relief.10. Also try pouring a whole sachet of Andrew’s Liver Salt in a glass of water sand gulp down immediately. This will also produce a fast constipation relief.

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Natural IBS Treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea, which often alternates with constipation. IBS most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 30 and is twice as common in women as in men. IBS is known by a variety of other terms: spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhea, nervous colon and nervous or functional bowel.

Causes and natural treatments of irritable bowel syndromeIrritable Bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal motility disorder for which there is no organic or structural cause. Since the symptoms of IBS can mimic other disorders such as hypothyroidism, IBS is diagnosed when all other local and systemic conditions have been ruled out.

Characteristic symptoms of IBS include recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal pain relieved by defecation, disordered bowel habit, including constipation, diarrhea, or an alternation between the two, and abdominal distension and bloating.

IBS is also associated with non-gastrointestinal conditions such as headache, low back pain, arthritis, non-cardiac chest pain, difficult urination and fibromyalgia.

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Natural Relief for Constipation

Constipation is a very annoying problem that annoys millions of Americans. It is a digestive problem accompanied by stomach pains and hard stools leading to difficulty in bowel movement. Having this problem is annoying and at the same time frustrating. You may find yourself staying too long in the bathroom having difficulty with your bowel movements and end up unsuccessful. Although there are drugs available for this problem, natural relief for constipation is another option for you.

Regular bowel movement is important for your health. You eat more than three times a day and you need to eliminate daily to feel better and avoid any health issues. If not, the toxins that you should eliminate will reside on your colon and will create health problems in the future. When you have constipation, millions of toxins are deposited on your colon which could cause illnesses. Constipation is known to cause various diseases like colitis, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, hernia, varicose veins and even colon cancer. It is also important that you consult your doctor if you are experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation.

If you tried various over the counter medicines and yet constipation continues to annoy you, then another option for you is the natural relief for constipation.

Of course the number one natural relief for constipation is to have a regular bowel movement. It is important to train yourself to eliminate daily. Train yourself to go to the bathroom everyday and practice daily elimination. If you feel the urge to eliminate, do not ignore or delay it because it may lead to constipation.

Drinking plenty of water is another natural relief for constipation. Water can alleviate symptoms of constipation. Drink 8 glasses of water everyday to hydrate yourself properly and help the colon do its job making the stool easy to pass leading to regular and easy bowel movement.

Adding fiber to your diet is also a natural relief for constipation. One of the common causes of constipation is low fiber in your diet. Introduce high fiber foods on your diet found in fruits, vegetable and whole grains. You can ask your doctor or dietitian to help you with a high fiber diet to eliminate constipation.

Natural relief for constipation is an option for you to avoid the harmful side effects of drugs. Did you know that you could eliminate constipation in 7 days or less using step-by-step natural remedies? Feel normal again and get a total relief from constipation visit Constipation Natural Relief.


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Discover How to Get Rid of Constipation Naturally

Have you experienced having constipation? You must have known the discomfort it brings. Stomach pains, hard tools, difficulty in bowel movements that may lead to bleeding stools and hemorrhoids. These are just some discomforts that may interfere with your daily routine and you have to know how to get rid of constipation before it could get chronic and serious.

Constipation is a common digestive problem and almost anyone struggles from it at one time in their life. It is known that constipation is responsible for many colon diseases such as hemorrhoids, colitis, diverticulosis, varicose veins and possibly colon cancer. Food wastes or fecal matter that stays in your colon longer than necessary is a killer. To help you get rid of constipation here are some tips:

Drink plenty of water. Lack of liquid may lead to constipation. To get rid of constipation, doctors recommend 8 glasses of water everyday. Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. Some find it effective to drink a warm tea early in the morning. Drinking warm milk before bedtime will help you eliminate easily in the morning.

Add fiber to your diet. To get rid of constipation put fibers to your diet. People now are eating more of processed foods and to get rid of constipation you have to eat more fruits and vegetables to get the necessary fiber that you need. Insoluble fiber gives bulk to your diet and soluble fiber turns into soft texture like gel in your intestine to prevent hard and dry stool that are difficult to eliminate.

Bowel movement habit. Train yourself to have early morning elimination. Sit on the toilet 5-10 minutes in the morning to induce the urge to eliminate. To get rid of constipation, do not delay or ignore the urge to eliminate. Some people delay or ignore the urge because they are too busy. Ignoring it may lead to the habit of irregular elimination and may lead to constipation.

Exercise and physical activities. Although it is not yet explained why proper exercise and physical activities has helped some people to get rid of constipation, it is a known fact that exercise is really good for the body. Constipation is common to elderly people who have less physical activities. Proper exercise may increase the natural contractions of the intestine to promote regularity of elimination.

You should learn how to get rid of constipation and establish a regular bowel movement. Everyday you should have a bowel movement for every meal you eat. If you don't have a bowel movement every day, and you eat 2 - 3 meals, will those meals be decaying in your colon?

When you have constipation, millions of toxins are created in the colon that needs to be flushed out with regular bowel movements. Do you know that these toxins are responsible for creating serious illnesses in your colon and throughout the body and even death? Thus, it is important to get rid of constipation.

Did you know that you can get rid of constipation naturally without the side effects of medicines? Now you can eliminate your constipation and feel normal again. No more upset stomach, staying in the bathroom too long, or worrying about when you will have your next bowel movement. Get the natural remedies you need and discover how to get rid of constipation, step by step in 7 days or less visit Constipation Natural Relief



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