Learn about IBS and inflammatory bowel disease

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the bowel that can lead to cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. The condition isn't considered to be life-threatening, but IBS can cause severe discomfort in patients who don't receive medical attention. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to people with IBS. We've compiled some of the top informative resources to help people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

On the other hand, inflammatory bowel disease is a serious problem which can be life threatening unless proper treatment is administered. The most common types of inflammatory bowel disease are crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel symptoms shares several symptoms with inflammatory bowel disease. If you think you may have either condition, see your doctor immediately.

What causes IBS?

Medical researchers aren't certain about the exact cause for irritable bowel syndrome. However, studies have indicated that IBS may be caused by various other problems with the digestive system. These digestive problems include sensitivities to certain foods, or previous infections of the bowel, stomach or intestines. Irritable bowel syndrome may be hereditary, as the disorder seems more common among people within the same families. Prolonged stress and emotional trauma may also play a role in the development of IBS.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Numerous treatments are available to help people control their IBS symptoms. Most treatment methods fall in one of three categories: dietary changes, medication and stress management.

Sensitivity to certain foods is believed to be a contributing factor to the development of IBS, and removing these foods from your diet can significantly reduce your symptoms. Foods that irritate people with IBS tend to contain caffeine, excess fat and dairy products. Alcohol and carbonated drinks can also cause people with IBS to experience flare-ups. On the other hand, increasing your intake of high-fiber foods such as peaches, beans, carrots and whole-grain breads can also bring relief from symptoms.

Laxatives, antispasmodics and antidepressants can also be prescribed to help patients cope with irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors often prefer to try dietary adjustments before prescribing long-term dosages of medications, as using medication can cause other undesirable side effects. However, numerous drugs have proven to be effective in helping patients reduce the severity of their IBS symptoms.

Reducing stress can also help people with IBS. Stress reduction can be accomplished through a variety of methods such as exercise and counseling. If you're extremely busy, make more of an effort to carve out some free time in your busy daily schedule. Reducing stress causes your body and muscles to be more calm, which eases the symptoms of IBS while increasing the effectiveness of other treatment methods.

Symptoms that do not signal IBS

If you have blood in your stool, joint pain, fever or unusual swelling in different parts of your body, then schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. These serious symptoms are not indicators of irritable bowel syndrome, but they could indicate the presence of more severe health conditions.