An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Description – What Is Ibs?

If you are looking for an irritable bowel syndrome description that is easy to understand, then this article should help.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a term used to define a functional bowel disorder. This basically means that the problems that occur are related to an abnormality in the way the bowels work or function.

IBS sufferers’ experience episodes of abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel habits.

IBS is also called nervous colon syndrome, spastic colitis and Mucous colitis, but it is entirely different from other types of colitis, which are known as inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD.

The real cause of IBS is unknown, but gastroenterologists can specifically determine its presence by observing the usual symptoms of abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and changes in bowel patterns, as evidenced by diarrhea or constipation.

It can last for many years, or just a few months, and can recur after long periods of remission.

Irritable bowel syndrome is treatable and will not cause other diseases over time.

Although there is a wide range of symptoms associated with the condition, in every person who suffers with IBS there is almost always abdominal pain with changes to bowel habits.

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Abdominal pain is likely to occur from gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as rapid contractions occur, irritating the nerve endings in the area and causing abdominal bloating as well. The pain usually subsides as patients defecate or relieve themselves.

Changes in bowel habits are described as having alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation. Usually one is more predominant than the other at any one particular time.

As gut contraction and motility increase and decrease, it will have an effect on digestive enzymes and waste material and alter the normal function of the bowel.

Depending on the strength and frequency of the contraction it can result in varying episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

Several diagnostic tests can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, although a conclusive diagnosis cannot be made until the doctor has eliminated any other conditions that may be causing the symptoms to flare up.

IBS has similar symptoms to a number of other gastrointestinal conditions, some of which are more severe, and so they need to be eliminated prior to any formal diagnosis.

A medical history and physical examination are vital to properly identify the signs that are linked to IBS. Stool analysis or a sigmoidoscopy may also be requested to directly examine the intestine and observe changes in contraction and structure to eliminate other suggested causes of the condition.

Fiber supplements and antispasmodic medication can improve gastrointestinal motility (movement) and relieve adverse muscle contractions to effectively help relieve the disorder.

Antidepressants are helpful in reducing pain but they do not treat with the factors that can cause an IBS “attack” and so should only be used for a short period until proper identification of the trigger conditions is made and they are removed where possible.

Depression and anxiety are common in IBS sufferers especially in those with pre-existing psychological conditions. It is believed that up to about 60% of people with IBS also have psychological disorders, like anxiety or depression. Although it is not known which comes first, the IBS or the psychological disorder.

Any Irritable bowel syndrome description would not be complete without stating the goal of any IBS treatment. The goal then is to improve bowel function which may subsequently also relieve pain and feelings of gassiness in the abdominal area, as well as improve the quality of the persons life.