Understanding Irritable
Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Other than the common cold, nothing keeps people home from work more than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is estimated to affect between 10-20 percent of the general population, most of them women. IBS affects the intestines, causing pain, constipation and/or diarrhea.
For some people, IBS is merely annoying. Others may find it life-altering. Treatment depends on your symptoms and how much IBS interferes with your life.
“IBS doesn’t necessarily progress, but it will persist,” says T. Raymond Foley, MD, a gastroenterologist with Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster and Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at Lancaster General Hospital.
The first step in getting help is ruling out more serious problems. Reassurance and education are the building blocks of treatment.
While doctors have not found a specific cause for IBS, they know that stress, diet and hormonal changes can make it worse. Because the colon is partially controlled by the central nervous system, stress can stimulate the colon to move or spasm, causing pain and changes in bowel movements. High-fat diets and diets high in lactose (the sugar found in milk) may also contribute to IBS. Dr. Foley says, “We encourage patients to minimize their pain and symptoms by suggesting changes they can make to their diet and stress level.”
Besides diet and stress, studies also suggest a link between hormones and IBS. According to the IBS Research Update Web site, many women experience bowel movement changes at different stages of their menstrual cycle.
Just as the causes of IBS vary, so do the treatments. Doctors focus on making IBS symptoms more bearable. Dr. Foley says that sometimes fiber supplements may help produce more regular bowel movements.
In other cases, doctors may recommend laxatives or antispasmodic medications.
If you think you may have IBS, talk to your doctor about modifying your diet or stress level. One way you can learn to better manage stress is through a class offered by the Lancaster General Wellness Center.
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