Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition which is referred to as mucous colitis, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and irritable colon. This condition is however different from other types of bowel diseases and even inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome typically occurs when series of intestinal signs occur at the same time. These signs might be different in persons, they although last for three months.
This condition is responsible for the damaging of the intestines in a man. Irritable bowel syndrome does not necessarily cause gastrointestinal or colon cancers, however, it can add immensely to the detriment of your health.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
There are certain symptoms which are closely related to irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include:
Diarrhea
You might have developed irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea if you frequently pass out stool.
Changes to your stool
Irritable bowel syndrome can also cause significant changes to your stool. It can also cause constipation and diarrhea.
Constipation
Once you begin to develop certain symptoms, it can be an indication that you have irritable bowel syndrome constipation. These symptoms are passing of dry and lumpy stool and difficulty in passing stool.
It was well-known that constipation can cause discomfort and pain. However, when it progresses into chronic constipation, it can result into fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, and fissures.
Pain or ache in the abdomen
Things only tend to resolve for a while if you experience a bowel movement. Once you develop irritable bowel syndrome, your brain tends to read signals passed across from your bowel quite differently.
Excessive gas
Irritable bowel syndrome is most at times closely associated with causing excessive gas. There are some specific types of foods or even soft drinks which can worsen this symptom. Items like caffeine, beans, alcohol, cheese, and cabbage.
It is important to know that foods which contain high amount of fiber that can cause excessive flatulence.
Bloating
Another well-known symptom of irritable bowel syndrome is the bloating that usually occurs in the stomach. You tend to feel full in your abdomen as a result of bloating. At times, you would develop a visible swollen stomach.
However, fiber is also known to reduce certain symptom. It is paramount that you follow your doctor’s recommendation on the intake of fiber because it aids in the reduction of bloating.
Mucus
Having mucus present in your stool can be a sign that you have developed irritable bowel syndrome. Mucus is known to be the liquid whose responsibility is the protection of tissues in the GI tract.
If you have developed irritable bowel syndrome, you are likely to experience mucus with your stool while defecating.
It is very common for individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome to experience diarrhea and constipation.Usually, when you experience a bowel movement, signs such as gas and bloating tend to fade.
The signs of irritable bowel syndrome are not always consistent, they tend to go away and significantly return.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in women
Most women usually experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome during their period of menstruation.
Women who are in their period of menopause tend to have lesser symptoms than women who are still in their period of menstruation. Research has also shown that women who are pregnant are likely to develop chronic symptoms.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in men
The symptoms which men who have developed irritable bowel syndrome experience are similar to those that women with this condition develop.
The pain of irritable bowel syndrome
Having irritable bowel syndrome pain is alike to cramping. In addition to cramping, you are likely to experience other complications like a significant change in your bowel movement, changes in the look of your stool, and a relief as soon as you experience your bowel movement.
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
You can be diagnosed of having irritable bowel syndrome as a result of certain symptoms. Your doctor might engage in some processes to ensure that it is certain you have developed irritable bowel syndrome.
These processes include:
- A change in your diet or restriction from the consumption of some specific types of foods or items.
- A stool sample test to check for infections.
- A blood test to rule out anemia or celiac disease.
- Carry out a colonoscopy on the individual.
Most times, a colonoscopy is carried out on an individual when it is suspected that he or she is displaying symptoms as a result of cancer, colitis, or even inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome diet
Most individuals experience significant changes in their health when they opt for healthier food choices. The effect of a change in diet varies among individuals because the symptoms they display as a result of irritable bowel syndrome also vary.
Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome
There is however no known cure for irritable bowel syndrome, all medications and treatment offered by your doctor is aimed at relieving you of various symptoms and complications. You therapist might recommend you changing your lifestyle habits to a healthier one.
Home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome
There are some specific types of home remedies which can go a long way in relieving you of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Theses remedies are effective and do not require your use of medications, and they include:
- Engaging in frequent physical activities or exercises.
- Limiting your intake of caffeine which aids in the stimulation of your intestines.
- Consuming smaller foods.
- Talking to your therapist concerning a reduction in your stress levels.
- Consumption of probiotics for a reduction in bloating.
- Limiting your intake of spicy or fried foods.
Foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome
Engaging in a healthy diet while with irritable bowel syndrome might be tough but it is always worth it. There are specific foods in which you should not take or you should limit its amount of intake in order to reduce certain symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Foods like fried foods, beans, dairy, and sugars which are indigestible. Some individuals require the addition of herbs and spices to lower their symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Medications for irritable bowel syndrome
If you engage in home remedies and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome do not seem to reduce, there are specific medications which might aid in giving you relief.
Most times, specific medications work for specific people, so it is important that you meet with your doctor on which medications is most suitable for you.
It is paramount that you let your therapist known which medications you are currently taking before engaging in new medications.
There are certain medications which are aimed at treating all symptom of irritable bowel syndrome while others are aimed at treating a particular sign of irritable bowel syndrome.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
There are numerous known ways for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, but the major cause of this condition is not known. Research has shown that a sensitive colon or weak immune system can be a possible reason for the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
An infection caused by bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract is the cause for the development of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. As a result of this, it is difficult to know the particular cause of irritable bowel syndrome and quite tedious to prevent them.
Irritable bowel syndrome triggers
Most people tend to monitor irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in order to dodge the triggers. There are some particular types of foods which aid in triggering stress for irritable bowel syndrome.
It is important to keep track of foods that are suitable for you and those which are not suitable for you.
Irritable bowel syndrome and stress
Once you develop irritable bowel syndrome, you develop an overactive and sensitive colon. Research has also shown that irritable bowel syndrome has a negative effect on your immune system.
Irritable bowel syndrome and weight loss
Irritable bowel syndrome does not usually have effect on the weight of every individual with the condition. It can however, cause weight loss when you do not eat properly to prevent other types of symptoms.
You are likely to experience cramping as soon as you are done with your meal if you have developed irritable bowel syndrome.
If constant stooling or diarrhea is one of the symptoms you experience as a result of irritable bowel syndrome, then you might be lacking in essential nutrient your body requires.
Conclusion
IBS is known to be a gastrointestinal disorder which directly affects the large intestine, popularly known as the colon. There are various symptoms which are closely associated with the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
These symptoms include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, and changes in stool. There is no known cure for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, there are however some basic preventive measures and medications which aids in granting relief.
These measures include engaging in a healthy lifestyle, limiting your intake of caffeine, and regular exercising.
