Bleeding & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome causes pain and discomfort along with constipation and diarrhea. The condition does not lead to a serious condition, but sufferers of the condition may find it difficult to participate in normal activities. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome do not include bleeding, which may be indicative of a more serious condition.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• The severity of the condition varies from patient to patient. Typically, the symptoms of IBS include bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea. Some patients alternate between constipation and diarrhea with the condition. There can be periods where no symptoms are experienced at all.

  Most cases of irritable bowel syndrome do not include bleeding. However, patients who are experiencing chronic constipation may develop hemorrhoids or anal fissures that can result in bleeding. This bleeding is usually bright red and occurs because of the strain involved in constipation.

Causes of Bleeding

• Bleeding with IBS can also be an indication of a more serious condition. Bleeding that is accompanied by a fever and weight loss may indicate an inflammation. Cancer is another possible cause of bleeding that is not related to irritable bowel syndrome.

  Rectal bleeding can have a variety of causes that are not caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Diverticulitis is a condition that is caused by sacs in the wall of the bowel. These sacs can bleed on occasion. Bleeding that is persistent with this condition may require surgery.

  Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. The inflammation leads to ulceration of the bowel, which will bleed. Inflammation that occurs in the rectum is called proctitis.

Diagnosis and Testing

• Bleeding with IBS requires testing to determine the cause. Most cases of rectal bleeding are minor and can be treated simply, but this is not always the case. Testing for all cases of rectal bleeding is necessary to rule out serious causes of the symptom.

  Examination of the colon may be necessary to determine the cause of bleeding.

Treatments

• Treatments for irritable bowel syndrome are restricted to relieving the symptoms of the condition. There is no cure for IBS, but laxatives and fiber may relieve constipation. A medication exists that is specifically designed for women suffering from IBS with diarrhea as their primary symptom. This medication, Lotronex, is prescribed with restrictions because of the serious side effects that it can cause. Women who do not respond to traditional IBS treatment are candidates for this medication.

Lifestyle

• Diet is one of the simplest lifestyle changes that can help IBS. A food journal can help design a diet that eliminates foods that exacerbate the symptoms of IBS. Increased fiber in the diet can reduce constipation and eliminate bleeding that is the result of anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

  A sedentary lifestyle can make the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome worse. At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is a lifestyle change that can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS.