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.
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