Dr. M.J. Bazos,
Patient Handout
IRRITABLE
BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
About Your
Diagnosis
Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) is a disease affecting the intestine. It is also called spastic colon or
colitis. The cause of IBS is not known, but stress and emotions are thought to
play a role. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder, affecting up to 15%
of the population. Most individuals generally begin having symptoms in their
early 20s. Many of these individuals never see a doctor about their
complaints.The diagnosis of IBS is made by eliminating other causes. Other
causes of abdominal pain and changing bowel habits must be ruled out before
making the diagnosis of IBS. This means laboratory studies must be done.
Procedures such as a barium enema x-ray or flexible sigmoidoscopy (a lighted
flexible instrument used to examine the lower part of the colon) are sometimes
done to exclude other causes. This disease is not curable. It is usually
recurrent throughout life. The symptoms can be managed with diet, medications,
and lifestyle changes. It does not appear that IBS causes other conditions such
as cancer.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
The main symptoms of IBS are
episodes of abdominal pain and changing bowel habits. These episodes can last
for days to months. The abdominal pain is described as crampy and does not occur
in any particular location. Other symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, and
bloating occur less frequently. Rarely nausea and vomiting occur. The pain
generally begins after meals and is relieved by bowel movements. The changing
bowel habits may involve diarrhea, constipation, or periods of both. With
constipation, the bowel movement may be “pelletlike” or in small
balls. The diarrhea may have mucus in it.
Treatment
The
treatment of IBS focuses on lifestyle and dietary changes. A high fiber diet is
the mainstay of treatment. Fiber supplements are helpful if used on a regular
basis. Increased gas and bloating may occur for the initial 2 weeks of fiber
supplements and generally resolve with time. Constipating agents such as
loperamide (Imodium) will relieve diarrhea symptoms. Antispasmodics will help
with abdominal cramping.
The
DOs
• See your physician; the
symptoms may be from another
condition.
• Maintain proper eating
habits, and select foods carefully.
•
Stop smoking.
• Increase fiber in the
diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources, but be careful because they
can cause gas and bloating. Psyllium-containing products are also good sources
of fiber.
• Heat to the abdomen may
help the pain and cramping.
• Try to
reduce stress. Biofeedback might
help.
• Maintain proper physical
fitness.
The
DON’Ts
• Avoid large
meals.
• Avoid spicy, fried, and
fatty foods.
• Avoid milk
products.
• Avoid
alcohol.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• If fever
develops.
• If there is blood in the
stool or the stool is black and
tarry.
• If vomiting
develops.
• If unexplained weight
loss occurs.
• If symptoms do not
improve with
treatment.
Websites:
National
Digestive Diseases Information
Clearinghouse
www.niddk.nih.gov
nddic@aerie.com