Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment & Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that affects the digestive system. IBS does no permanent harm to the body unlike more serious conditions such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, one in every five Americans has symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS.

Identification

• Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort, gas, mucus present in stools and cramping.

Types

• Some people with IBS only experience constipation with the accompanying pain, cramping and bloating. Others only have diarrhea with loose and watery stools, demanding frequent bowel movements. Occasionally, a person will suffer from both constipation and diarrhea, making the condition harder to control.

Time Frame

• IBS is a chronic condition, however, some people will have periods when their symptoms disappear or lessen.

Considerations

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a controllable condition for most people, but there are rare individuals for whom the symptoms are so severe they interfere with ordinary life and hinder professional commitments.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no cure for IBS, but there are treatment options that improve quality of life. Prescription medications, laxatives and fiber supplements help control symptoms. Stress management and dietary changes such as eating smaller meals, avoiding certain grains, chocolate, milk, alcohol and caffeinated beverages are also recommended. It is also important to drink eight glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea.