What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition caused by excessive spasms of the large intestine. It is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, and mucous colitis. Irritable bowel is not an organic disease since there are no organic abnormalities or physical changes. In many people, stress or feelings of anxiety, guilt or resentment seem to trigger the symptoms. It is probably the most common abdominal complaint brought to the attention of physicians.

The condition usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. For unknown reasons, women are affected about twice as often as men.

What are the symptoms of irritable colon?

Abdominal discomfort ranges from sharp, cramping pains to a continuous dull ache. It is often relieved by a bowel movement. The lower left part of the abdomen may be tender to touch. This abdominal pain usually appears after eating.

There is also diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation. The diarrhea typically occurs immediately after a meal or when getting up in the morning. Often there is mucous in the stool.

These symptoms may last for a few days or weeks and then cease for months at a time. They may recur with varying degrees of intensity over a long period.

What causes the symptoms of abdominal discomfort?

Under normal circumstances, regular muscular contractions of the colon move stool along the colon into the rectum. When irritable bowel syndrome is present, the pattern of motility is not regular, caused by excessive muscular contractions, which cause pain, diarrhea and constipation.

It is unknown what causes the over activity of the intestinal muscle, but emotional response is believed to be a factor in many cases. Some researchers think that there may also be an allergic response to a particular food. There is also evidence that alcohol, caffeine, and smoking may worsen the problem.

How is the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome made?

Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed after a careful review of symptoms and a process of elimination of other disorders. Other conditions as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and cancer of the colon are conditions that need to be ruled out before making the diagnosis.

The excessive intestinal spasms that produce the symptoms may be detected on a colon x-ray. The physician may also perform a flexible sigmoidoscopy to view the lower end of the colon. Spasms may also be viewed during this procedure. These examinations are usually performed to rule out the other colon disorders mentioned earlier that may cause the same symptoms.

How can I control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, although troublesome and at times very uncomfortable, is not medically serious.

The disorder can be controlled by avoiding triggering foods, increasing dietary bulk, administering antispasmodic drugs, reducing stress and engaging in regular physical activity.

If bloating and belching are a problem, foods such as beans and cabbage and other sources of fermentable carbohydrates should be avoided. If the major symptom is diarrhea, it is wise to stay away from such laxative causing foods such as fruits and fruit juices. If the complaint is constipation, taking unprocessed bran with plenty of liquid may be helpful.

In addition, people with irritable bowel syndrome should engage in regular physical activity. This may alleviate anxiety and promote good bowel function. Efforts should be made to deal with any stresses that may contributing to the problem.

For patients who do not respond to dietary and other life-style changes including reduction of stress, medications may be prescribed. These may include anticholinergic agent to reduce the intestinal over activity, a mild tranquilizer, or a sedative.

As mentioned earlier, irritable bowel syndrome is troublesome and at times very uncomfortable, but is not medically serious. Please contact your physician or other health care professional for advice.