Health Pages- Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)
Irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition of the digestive systems. Its
primary symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowl habits (eg , constipation
/and or diarrhea) but these symptoms have no identifiable cause.
IBS is the
most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition and is second only to the
common cold as a cause of absence from work. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of
people experience symptoms of IBS , although only about 15 percent of affected
people actually seek medical help.
Despite
intensive research, the cause is not clear. Various theories are abnormal
contractions of the colon and intestines, post infective, food intolerances.
Stress and anxiety are known to affect the intestine and may worsen symptoms.
Heightened
sensitivity of the intestines to normal sensations may be the cause ie normal amounts of gas or movement are
perceived as excessive and painful.
Young adults are often the sufferers. The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal
Pain in association with diarrhoea and /or constipation
Pain is typically crampy and may worsen with emotional stress,eating. Bowel movement may relieve the pain.
