What you need to know about irritable bowel syndrome
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition which causes the intestines (or bowels, or gut) to be over sensitive. This can cause a variety of abdominal and bowel symptoms. There is no cure, but most people can, with the help of their doctor, learn to control and live with their irritable bowel. Symptoms of IBS are abdominal pains, especially on the left side, or across the lower abdomen. Bloating and fullness of wind. Constipation. Diarrhea. (alternating between one and the other). A sensation of having to rush to the toilet. Difficulty opening the bowels, or feeling as though they haven't emptied adequately.
Symptoms may be worse when under psychological stress or when being physically stressed e.g. by an infection, exhaustion or other conditions. The problem may also get irritated by certain foods and drinks (which vary from person to person).
Nobody really knows why IBS exists, and as their are such a variety of manifestations, it may be that there is more than one cause. We do know that it is very common, affecting as many as one person in five.
There are a number of treatments, and in medicine this usually means that the perfect answer has yet to be found. It is usually a case of experimentation between the doctor and the patient to find what suits that particular individual. This is also true of the diet. Broad generalizations can be made, but over time the person develops an understanding of what upsets them, and what does not. Usually people do find read more
