Cramping, Bloating, Gas, Diarrhea Or Constipation Could Mean IBS

Did you know that if you experience abdominal cramping, bloating, frequent gas, diarrhea or constipation that you could have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease, but a series of symptoms that are lumped together to describe a functional disorder of the digestive system.

The biggest most common symptoms of IBS are pain or discomfort in the abdominal area that is usually relieved by having a bowel movement. The individual can have chronic diarrhea, constipation or have both.

Other symptoms to watch out for are whitish mucus in the stool, a swollen or bloated abdomen, and a general feeling that you have not finished your bowel movement.

Your doctor will need to make the diagnosis of IBS and then will help you to find the right treatment plan for you. That plan may include avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms such as fatty foods, milk products, and carbonated drinks. Other foods that may bother you are those made with fiber, certain as well as non-food items such as medications and stress.

IBS is quite common in the U.S., where one in five Americans have IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not cause inflammation or changes in the bowel tissue. It does not increase a person's risk for colorectal cancer. Most individuals with IBS can control the symptoms by managing their diet, and by making wise lifestyle choices. Avoiding stress is also helpful for individuals with IBS.

IBS is usually a chronic (lifelong) condition so individuals who have IBS need to learn how to recognize their triggers to avoid discomfort. Signs and symptoms can worsen, and at other times improve to the point of disappearing.

It is believed that individuals with IBS have stronger contracting intestinal muscles that move the digested food more quickly thought he digestive system resulting in the symptoms such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. In other individuals with IBS the food can be slowed down as it tries to get through the digestive system. Some researchers believe that changes in the nerves that control the sensations or muscle contractions may have a bearing on IBS. Women are more likely to have IBS then men, which could mean that the symptoms are related to hormones. Triggers for IBS could be food, certain foods, or our emotions.

Common food triggers are chocolate, milk, and alcohol. If dairy products, caffeinated food and drink, or sugar-free gum and candies are triggering your IBS try using sugar-free, lactose-free products or decaf products.

Stresses and illnesses can also be contributing factors to IBS as well as other diseases such as gastroenteritis (infectious diarrhea).

A doctor, or dietician can help you to make a list of foods to avoid. Keeping a food journal is another way to find what foods trigger your symptoms.