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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Abdominal Pain

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disease. It is characterized by mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. There are some treatments for IBS symptoms, but there is no cure.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of IBS are diarrhea and constipation. These two symptoms cause cramping and bloating.

    Bloating

    • Bloating is caused by an overproduction of gas. With IBS, food isn't always fully broken down. As food particles progress in the system, gas is created as the intestines try to break them down.

      Another cause of bloating is when fibrous foods are eaten, the body overreacts to the stimulus given by the fiber. Fiber isn't actually digested, but rather passed through the system. With IBS this increases gas production.

    Cramping

    • Cramping is commonly caused by dysfunction of the intestines. The function is disrupted and the intestines may try to push through matter when it isn't there or tighten around matter to keep it from being expelled when it is ready. This causes cramping.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea causes pain and cramping that range from mild to severe. If you have diarrhea-dominant IBS you will suffer from these symptoms the most.

    Constipation

    • Constipation causes bloating and an achy, full-type of feeling. If you have constipation-dominant IBS you will suffer from these symptoms the most.

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