Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a health condition that is characterized by pain in the abdomen, erratic bowel habits and swelling or bloating. Cramps are a common symptom of the syndrome and the side effects of the illness cause mild or severe pain which varies from person to person. IBS is distinguished from the inflammatory bowel disease conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by the fact that it does not generally cause permanent damage to the colon, can be managed effectively and may recur only sporadically. Interestingly, the incidence of the illness seems to be high among those who have been victims of child abuse. Anxiety and depression are also associated with the condition in those who present with symptoms.

The condition is considered a medical 'syndrome' since there are various symptoms among those who are diagnosed with the illness. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a result of testable physical damage that occurs within the physiology of a patient. IBS is known to strike people who are healthy and have no warning of its onset. Most people develop the problem from the ages of 20 to 40 and more women than men suffer from the condition. An inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's usually occurs in younger patients who develop symptoms around 20 or 30 years of age and there is no gender bias for this illness. Those of Jewish heritage, however, seem to have more of a likelihood of developing Crohn's disease while African Americans are at much less risk than normal.

Bowel dysfunctions affect more than 50% of the American population with more than 500,000 people suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Inflammatory bowel disease has more severe symptoms than IBS and can be life threatening. Most patients deal with either of these conditions throughout their lifespan in either minor or severe episodes. Doctors are not sure of the exact causes but evidence may point to an immune dysfunction or a germ. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss and bleeding are common among patients. Crohn's disease many times infects the area of the rectum and infectious drainage results. Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers to form especially in the lower intestine which usually starts at the rectum. These conditions are particularly painful and debilitating to those who struggle for years with the diseases unlike people with irritable bowel syndrome who can more likely control their symptoms through medical assistance.

There are many different treatment protocols that doctors use among patients that experience these types of conditions. Crohn's disease may require drugs, dietary changes, natural supplements, surgery or a combined approach that includes two or more of these treatments. Medications that address the inflammation of the colon are often used to lessen the severe irritation. Antibiotics are used to deal with infections that commonly appear and immune suppressant drugs are also used to stop the immune system from reacting which causes the inflammation. Patients that take immune suppressants also run the risk of other infections and illness because of a weakened immune system. Ulcerative colitis also requires the use of anti-inflammatory medications, anti-diarrhea drugs, and antibiotics to keep the disease in check.

Many lifestyles changes are required for those who suffer from irritable bowel problems, Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome, while not life threatening, can affect a persons life dramatically. Eating habits, daily responsibilities, traveling, work, school and recreation can all be affected quite significantly. Dietary changes are usually made since foods such as caffeine, chocolate, milk and foods high in fat seem to be triggers. Sometimes fiber is added to a treatment regimen for some and omitted from others depending on whether or not a patient's symptoms include diarrhea or constipation. A daily routine may need to be modified since the environment is considered to affect the condition. Stress can cause a flare up in some patients who find that they must make some career or household changes. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Since people who have IBS do not have the same symptoms as other IBS patients, a treatment that helps one person improve may not affect another. Doctors generally approach IBS from a combined plan that includes psychological, physiological and medicinal treatments. The syndrome seems to be triggered by environmental and psychological factors so patients are encouraged to assist their doctor in finding the particular triggers. This allows a medical professional to design a personal treatment plan for each patient that will prove to be more effective for this illness. In any type of irritable or inflammatory bowel disease, initial treatments can be hit or miss because of the wide diversity in symptomology and other physical problems that are specific to each condition. Eliminating treatments that work and those that do not help is part of the process of finding the correct protocol to stabilize an ailing patients health. An appointment with a gastroenterologist is usually the best place to start for anyone who is experiencing mild to severe symptoms.

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