In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating relieved by alteration of bowel habits. Irritable Bowel Syndrome may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS. In fact, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-20% of the general population.
Several conditions may present itself as IBS including celiac disease, mild infections, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation and chronic functional abdominal pain. Some other causes of IBS are unknown.
Evidence that food allergies (other than celiac disease) and other immune system challenges can cause IBS symptoms are report in various published research. Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves excluding conditions, which produce IBS-like symptoms, and then following a procedure to categorize the patient’s symptoms.
Because there are many causes of diarrhea and IBS-like symptoms, the American Gastroenterological Association has published a set of guidelines for tests to be performing to diagnose other conditions, which may have symptoms similar to IBS. The algorithm may include additional tests to guard against miss-diagnosis of other diseases like IBS.
Treatment options are available to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome – whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. High rates of success in resolving IBS symptoms have been report when treatment is specifically tailor to the underlying causes revealed through proper testing for the range of known causes of IBS symptoms. Gut-directed or gut-specific hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis is one of the most promising areas of IBS treatment; also, Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches IBS on an individual symptom-by-symptom basis, rather than recognizing a standard “IBS” diagnosis, which then warrants a blanket “IBS” treatment.
As IBS is, a chronic condition, with an ongoing fluctuating course, these treatments may help the individual to develop skills for managing the condition over the long haul. Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not lead to most patients in more serious conditions. Most individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
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