Gas & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gas is a major symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder which affects your large intestine. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, chronic constipation or diarrhea and mucous in your stool. Symptoms are usually relieved following a bowel movement.

Diagnosis

• According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), your symptoms may indicate IBS. Diagnosis is usually made after ruling out other health problems by tests such as a lower gastrointestinal series (barium x-rays of the colon) and colonoscopy.

Cause

• As of 2010, the cause of IBS is not known, according to NIDDK, but it is believed that the muscles and nerves in the colon are too sensitive. Stress can worsen IBM symptoms.

Treatment

• According to the American Academic of Family Physicians (AAFP), you can control IBS by eating a healthy diet that does not include high-fat foods, eating six small meals each day instead of three, drinking lots of water and reducing stress. Increasing your fiber intake may also help.

Foods

• Certain foods may worsen symptoms of IBS, such as dairy products, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, fatty foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages. The NIDDK suggests keeping a food and symptoms diary to determine which foods to avoid.

Medications

• According to the AAFP, medications that may help relieve symptoms include Imodium and prescription drugs such as antispasmodics and antidepressants.