What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Some people may have friends or family that often times run to the restroom or complain about intense abdominal pain. Those friends may say they have irritable bowel syndrome, but what is irritable bowel syndrome and how is it affecting your loved one’s life?  

IBS, as it is frequently called, is a common gastrointestinal disorder often seen by doctors. It is not a disease but the intestines aren’t functioning properly, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Symptoms of IBS are usually highlighted by chronic diarrhea, constipation or both.

About 25 to 45 million Americans are affected by IBS, 60-65 percent of which are female and 35-40 percent male, stated a digestive health Web site. The impact to a person’s life may be as little as a mild inconvenience to severe debilitation that can significantly hinder a person’s everyday life.

Roughly 75 percent of people with IBS have mild symptoms, 25 percent have moderate symptoms while five percent are severe cases. The disorder, which generally strikes during adolescence or early adulthood, affects women and men of all ages. Children can also be diagnosed with IBS.

Some doctors and sufferers wonder from what is irritable bowel syndrome derived, but that answer is unknown. The disorder affects sufferers physical, socially and emotionally and although symptoms appear from a combination of mental, guttural and nervous system distress, stress doesn’t cause IBS. Stress is just a trigger.

Because doctors are unsure of what causes IBS, they are also still trying to find a good way to treat it. Doctors must first evaluate a person’s medical history, stress levels and diet. A low-fat diet helps some sufferers while staying away from beans, cabbage and other hard-to-digest foods is a good idea. Also, keeping your intake of fructose(a sugar found in fruits, berries and some plants) should be kept at a minimum.