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SALT LAKE CITY — Irritable bowel syndrome affects 25 to 55 million people in the United States, the majority of whom are women. Symptoms of the disorder can make life difficult for its victims, but there are several effective treatments available.
In general, IBS causes abdominal pain, cramping and changes in bowel movements. It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and colitis.
Causes of IBS vary. Typically the disease begins with irritants to the bowel, such as infection, surgery or trauma of the intestines. Anxiety and stress increase the intensity of the problem, due to a strong connection between your brain and bowel.
Symptoms
Symptoms are different from person to person. They include, but are not limited to:
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling of fullness
- Gas and bloating that is present for at least three days a month, lasting for three months
Related:
Mommy Medicine: Do I have gallbladder problems or am I crazy?
Gallbladder problems are relatively common in the United States but can easily go undiagnosed. If you're experiencing severe upper abdominal pain with accompanying digestive problems, chances are it's not all in your head.The symptoms will occur when there is a change in your stress level, diet, or lifestyle. People with IBS will either have diarrhea or constipation, but rarely normal bowel function.
For most people, symptoms are present at all times no matter what diet or exercise regime they use. Having IBS can make it very difficult to feel confident enough to go into public places without knowing where the bathroom is at all times. The embarrassment the disease often keeps people from attending social events and traveling.
Tests for IBS
Most of the time your doctor can diagnose IBS based on your symptoms with few or no tests. Eating a lactose-free diet for two weeks may help the doctor check for a possible lactase deficiency.
While there is no test to diagnose IBS, blood tests are sometimes conducted to see if you have celiac disease or a low blood count. Stool cultures are also performed to check for an infection, which may or may not help. And a colonoscopy and or endoscopy can give the doctor further insight into your condition.
Treatment for IBS
Treatment of IBS focuses on the goal of relieving symptoms. Dietary changes really are the best way to control IBS. If there is a food or spice that causes symptoms to flare up, cut it from your diet.
Here are some food changes I would suggest:
- Avoid MSG
- Avoid foods and drinks which contain caffeine, tea or colas
- Avoid large meals — keep to several small meals a day instead of three large meals
- Increase fiber in the diet — this can be great for some and not so great for others. Sometimes fiber can make bloating worse.
Some medications can also be effective in treating the symptoms of IBS, but you should consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications as some may make your symptoms worse.
Medications your doctor might try include:
- Dicyclomine, propantheline, belladonna, and hyoscyamine — to control intestinal muscle spasms
- Bisacodyl — to treat constipation
- Loperamide — to treat diarrhea
- Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants — to help relieve intestinal pain
- Lubiprostone — for constipation symptoms
- Rifaximin — an antibiotic In my experience, irritable bowel syndrome will be a lifelong condition, so be prepared for the long haul. IBS is not life-threatening and can be treated over time to control the symptoms, not cure the problem.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
