Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that can produce a variety of symptoms – both physical and psycological – ranging from changes in bowel movements to depression.
IBS is not Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBS is a syndrome diagnosed by exclusion.
IBS Causes
Traditionally, the causes of IBS were largely not determinable. However, recent research and new dietary approaches to IBS treatment have led to many IBS sufferers identifying and eliminating their causal dietary factors. These causes often include fructose malabsorption.
It should be noted that, as IBS is a syndrome by exclusion, no advice will apply to all patients.
IBS Prevalence
1 in 6 (in the US) suffer from IBS. In some countries, half of the populace suffers from IBS. IBS is twice as common among women as it is among men. The onset of IBS is typically during early adulthood.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are flatulence/gas, bloating, abdominal pain, distension and otherwise volatile digestion. These symptoms can lead to loss of appetite.
These symptoms cycle depending on your eating and digestion schedule, and may be relieved by bowel movements.
People with IBS may suffer from both constipation and diarrhea, or may be more predisposed to one.
IBS is known to have periods of remission.
Diagnosis
Testing for IBS involves identifying the problematic symptoms and then eliminating all known possible causes. Therefore, relevant tests are the same as those used to diagnose other digestive diseases. This process may include a colonoscopy.
Treatment
New research shows that dietary treatment of IBS allows for a complete remission of symptoms in the majority of patients. This website provides more information on dietary treatment on other pages.
