A Concise Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Although it is recognised as a term used to describe a common discomfort of the gut and bowels, in short, Irritable Bowel syndrome can not be explained away in a few simple words. The answer is a lot bigger than the question!

It is defined generally by abdominal pain, stomach cramps - often severe, diarrhoea, constipation, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, bloating, nausea and gas. It can be also be responsible for, or appear as a result of, secondary issues such as Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks , Social Phobia and Depression.

IBS can include any or all of these symptoms, but doctors and scientists have yet to discover any single universal cause of IBS.

In fact the symptoms of conditions such as Diverticulitis are very similar to IBS symptoms in many ways.

All we can say for certain is that Gastroenterologists agree that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common conditions they see, and suggest that IBS effects up to one fifth of the population at any one time.

Many people live stressful lives, and where there is stress, we will often find people also suffering from IBS.

In real terms, tens of millions of people across the world are affected every day by the symptoms of IBS. It is said to be the second most common cause of absenteeism from work (with colds in first place.)

Embarrassing
At best, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is embarrassing, since, as well as the sometimes urgent need to find a restroom, sufferers may also experience an excess of gas, which can make social situations something they avoid.

Many people cannot bring themselves to speak of it, even to a GP.

The embarrassment, however, can pale in comparison to the pain and the absolute requirement of a nearby bathroom.

It can be severely debilitating, preventing people from participating in any form of social or work life.

Sufferers of IBS are normally diagnosed with this problem after a medical professional has determined that the physical structure of the gut, and intestines, looks normal, but the patient still feels unwell with stomach problems.

Your GP will usually examine you initially by pressing your stomach and feeling for abnormalities, asking about diet, stress factors in your life, and bowel movements.

The good news is that despite it being such a negative influence on people's lives, IBS does not cause permanent damage, and DOES NOT lead on to other more serious conditions such as Cancer.

Essentially, IBS can affect anyone at any age.

Statistically, It is shown to affect women more often than men, but this may be inaccurate and could be due to the fact that women are more likely to see their doctor about it.

From a minor, but persistent upset stomach, to full-blown agonising stomach cramps accompanied by panic attacks, IBS is different for every individual.

For a greater understanding and Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome we need to look at the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and What causes IBS

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