What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common
problem with the intestines. In people with IBS, the
intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause
food to move too quickly or too slowly through the
intestines. IBS usually begins around age 20 and is more
common in women.
IBS is also called functional bowel syndrome, irritable
colon, spastic bowel and spastic colon. It's not the same as
inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
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The symptoms may get worse when you're under stress, such as
when you travel, attend social events or change your daily
routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don't eat
enough healthy foods or after you've eaten a big meal. Some
people are bothered by certain foods. Women who have IBS may
notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual
periods. |
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Common symptoms of IBS
- Bloating and gas
- Mucus in the stool
- Constipation
- Diarrhea, especially after eating
or first thing in the morning
- Feeling like you still need to have
a bowel movement after you've already had one
- Feeling a strong urge to have a
bowel movement
- Abdominal pain and cramping that
may go away after having a bowel movement
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How is IBS diagnosed?
Your doctor may start by asking you questions
about your symptoms. If your symptoms have had a pattern
over time, the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that
IBS is the cause.
If your symptoms have just started, something else may be
the cause. Your doctor may need to do some tests, such as a
blood test or colonoscopy, to make sure that your symptoms
aren't caused by something other than IBS.
How is IBS treated?
The best way to handle IBS is to eat a
healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse
and find ways to handle your stress.
Why may fiber be helpful?
Fiber can be helpful because it improves how
the intestines work. There are 2 types of fiber:
- Soluble fiber
helps both diarrhea and constipation. It dissolves in
water and forms a gel-like material. Many foods contain
soluble fiber such as apples, beans and citrus fruits.
Psyllium, a natural vegetable fiber, is a also a soluble
fiber. You can buy psyllium supplements (some brand names:
Fiberall, Metamucil, Perdiem) to drink and you can add it
to other foods.
- Insoluble fiber
helps constipation by moving material through your
digestive system and adding bulk to your stool. Insoluble
fiber is in whole grain breads, wheat bran and many
vegetables.
Increase the fiber in your diet slowly. Some
people feel bloated and have gas if they increase their
fiber intake too quickly. Gas and bloating usually improve
as you get used to eating more fiber. The best way to
increase your fiber intake is eat a wide variety of high
fiber foods. For more information, read the handout, "Fiber:
How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet."
Do certain foods cause IBS?
No. Foods don't cause IBS. But some foods may
make you feel worse. Foods that may make symptoms worse
include foods high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can
cause your intestines to contract, which may cause cramping.
Alcohol and chocolate may also make you feel worse. If gas
is a problem for you, you might want to avoid foods that
tend to make gas worse. These include beans, cabbage and
some fruits.
Keeping a diary of what you eat and what your symptoms are
for a few weeks may be a good way to find out if a food
bothers you. If you think a food makes you feel worse, don't
eat it. But don't cut out foods unless they have caused you
problems more than once.
What about milk and milk products?
If milk and other dairy products bother you,
you may have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means
that your body can't digest lactose (the sugar in milk).
Dairy products may seem to make IBS symptoms worse if you're
lactose intolerant. If this seems to be the case, you may
need to limit the amount of milk and milk products in your
diet. Talk to your family doctor if you think you have
trouble digesting dairy products.
How can stress affect IBS?
Stress may trigger symptoms in people with
IBS. Talk to your family doctor about ways to deal with
stress, such as exercise, relaxation training or meditation.
He or she may have some suggestions or may refer you to
someone who can give you some ideas. Your doctor may also
suggest that you talk to a counselor about things that are
bothering you.
Can my doctor prescribe medicine for IBS?
There is no cure for IBS. However, if you're
having bad symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine to
help you manage or lessen your symptoms.
For example, antispasmodic medicines may be prescribed to
reduce cramping if your main symptom is pain. Hyoscyamine
(some brand names: Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin) and
dicyclomine (some brand names: Bentyl, Di-Spaz) help relax
the spasms in the colon. Heating pads and hot baths can also
be comforting.
When diarrhea is a frequent problem, medicine such as
loperamide (brand name: Imodium) may help.
Your doctor may give you tranquilizers or sedatives for
short periods to treat anxiety that may be making your
symptoms worse. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant
for you if your symptoms are severe and you are feeling
depressed.
Will IBS get worse over time?
No. While IBS will probably recur throughout
your life, it won't get worse. It doesn't cause cancer or
require surgery, and it won't shorten your life.
What if IBS interferes with my daily
activities?
IBS may have caused you to avoid doing
certain things, like going out or going to work or school.
While it may take some time for your efforts to pay off, you
may find new freedom by following a plan that includes a
healthy diet, learning new ways to deal with your stress and
avoiding foods that may make your symptoms worse.
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Tips on controlling IBS
- Eat a varied healthy diet and
avoid foods high in fat.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Try eating 6 small meals a day
rather than 3 larger ones.
- Learn new and better ways to deal
with your stress.
- Avoid using laxatives. They may
weaken your intestines and cause you to be dependent
on them.
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American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 12/06
