IBS & Upper Abdominal Pain

Dorland's medical dictionary defines irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a disorder found in patients with gastrointestinal complaints. Complaints can range from constipation to diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain in the lower and upper abdomen.

Identification

• IBS is diagnosed when physicians cannot find other reasons for the gastrointestinal issues and have ruled out inflammation and disease of the intestinal tract. The system used by physicians to classify functional gastrointestinal disorders is the Rome Criteria. The Rome Criteria for IBS includes discomfort for more than three days a month for at least 12 weeks.

Effects

• Upper abdominal pain associated with IBS is normally caused by bloating. Lower abdominal pain with IBS is normally caused by the need to empty the bowels.

Prevention/Solution

• Limiting foods that cause gas may help reduce bloating.

  There is no cure for upper abdominal pain with IBS; however, diet modifications have been known to help individuals suffering from IBS. Increasing fiber, decreasing caffeine and limiting foods that cause gas, as well as moderate exercise are also recommended.

Misconceptions

• IBS is often confused with celiac disease, parasitic infections and mild infections of the digestive tract.

Warning

• When in doubt, always visit a physician.

  The appearance of blood in the stool, extreme pain, fever or sudden weight loss are not symptoms of IBS, and patients experiencing any of these should seem medical attention.