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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, better known as IBS, is the most prevalent gastrointestinal condition. IBS is more likely to effect people at an earlier age than most other intestinal conditions and diseases.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome develops when muscles in the digestive system do not work properly. When food is being digested muscles in the intestines contract to move the food through the body. People who suffer from IBS have muscles in their intestines that contract too slowly or too quickly.
Food that is pushed through the digestive tract too quickly can cause diarrhea, likewise, food that is pushed through at a slower than normal rate produces constipation.
Fortunately for people who suffer from IBS, the condition is not dangerous and is very treatable through by knowing your own body. The longer a person has IBS the better they are at knowing how to get it under control.
The exact cause for irritable bowel syndrome is not known, though what triggers IBS differs from person to person. Food choice is the number one way to manage irritable bowel syndrome. Foods containing milk and caffeinated beverages often cause symptoms to arise.
Nervousness or stress along with hormonal imbalance and bacteria located in the bowels can all be associated with the onset of IBS symptoms as well.
Eating healthy, exercising, drinking plenty of water and reducing stress in your life can go along way in reducing the risk of an IBS flare-up.
Irritable bowel syndrome is not pleasant to deal with because symptoms can arise at anytime and with little notice. Abdominal cramping, constipation or diarrhea and gas are the main symptoms.
Diarrhea and constipation can also cause other complications such as hemorrhoids and a burning feeling around the anus.
While irritable bowel syndrome is a long lasting condition, people who suffer from IBS may experience the symptoms off and on. IBS usually comes and goes at varying times for different people. Managing IBS takes time and practice.
The first key to managing irritable bowel syndrome is to have it properly diagnosed. IBS does not damage or manipulate the tissue in the colon or rectum. Although not life-threatening irritable bowel syndrome does share the same symptoms as other intestinal conditions. A colonoscopy may be done to rule out a more serious disorder.
After a proper diagnosis of IBS is given, preparing a plan to handle irritable bowel syndrome in every day life is very beneficial. Simple things like keeping track of problem foods and knowing what causes stress in your life can make a difference.
Irritable bowel syndrome effects both men and women. The risk for women is sometimes higher because IBS has been related to hormone changes. Women who suffer from IBS are more likely to experience flare-ups most often around the beginning of their menstrual cycle.
Family history can also play a role in Irritable bowel syndrome.
