Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered a long-term intestinal disorder, where patients experience a variety of abdominal symptoms. The recognized approach to diagnosing IBS is to ensure that the symptoms being displayed are not associated with a more serious condition, and once this is established, the diagnosis of IBS can be made. Abdominal pain is the main irritable bowel syndrome symptom and it would be unusual for someone to be diagnosed with IBS if they did not display this symptom.
Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal cramping, gassiness and bloating. These are generally relieved upon defecation or after motility or antispasmodic medication is administered.
The symptoms that most people find the hardest to deal with is that of altered bowel habits. Unfortunately, these symptoms can really effect the quality of a persons life and mean that IBS is never far from their thoughts when travelling, or eating out, worrying over whether there are sufficient bathroom facilities.
A person can either have IBS symptoms that are constipation predominant, diarrhea predominant, or alternate between the two. These episodes result from the increase or decrease in gut motility, which is outside the patient’s control. If gut motility increases, diarrhea occurs and if gut motility decreases, constipation occurs.
Accumulation of gas occurs as the digestive system increases the production of enzymes and gastric acids; the intestinal tract can begin to be irritated by these forming gases. This irritation can then result in abdominal cramping or gassiness, which in turn can lead to uncomfortable bloating and tenderness.
Patients can combat the their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by employing a number of preventive measures. Physical activity is important to improve blood circulation especially in the digestive tract, which enhances bowel movement and function.
Exercise also provides a feeling of relief and relaxation, which can give patients more control over their bodies psychologically and physically. This is helpful in minimizing stress and alleviating painful experiences.
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IBS sufferers should really make the effort to stop smoking, as this also improves blood circulation. Nicotine and other substances present in cigarettes and cigars are known to be potent vasoconstrictors (constricts the blood vessels). Alcohol is another known vasoconstrictor and eliminating it or keeping intake at a minimum will enhance gut motility and so help with regulating bowel movement patterns.
Also, it is important to eliminate or reduce foods that trigger IBS symptoms. This is likely to mean restricting the consumption of caffeine, spicy foods and gas-forming produce like milk, cheese, beans potatoes, cabbage, brussel sprouts and fatty foods.
You could try keeping food diary for a week or two and note down the symptoms you are experiencing. You may find you have certain ‘trigger’ foods that causes flatulence and bloating. These can then be avoided to relieve symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief has been achieved by many, but the original condition needs to be diagnosed by a doctor first to ensure that there is no underlying condition or infection that is causing your symptoms. Once diagnosed then a proper treatment plan can be followed.
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