Spa Of Embarrassing Illnesses 2
Factsheet: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
It's estimated that one third of the population is at one time or other affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This factsheet gives advice and information on what can be a painful and distressing condition.
What is IBS?
IBS is a disorder of the intestinal motor function and one of the commonest conditions seen by gastroenterologists. Essentially, the process known as peristalsis (the channelling of food throughout the gut) becomes uncoordinated, resulting in a range of different symptoms from heartburn to urgent motions. A cure remains to be found.
Who is most likely to suffer from IBS?
The symptoms of IBS most commonly start in late teenage years or early adulthood. Women are affected more often than men.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS can affect any part of the gut from the mouth to the anus, so the symptoms of IBS are incredibly diverse.
In the oesophagus symptoms include heartburn, painful swallowing but food passes easily, sticking of food and a golf ball-like sensation in the throat.
In the stomach symptoms include abdominal bloating, feeling full after small meals and symptoms suggestive of a stomach ulcer.
In the bowel symptoms include:
· Pain and discomfort ranging from mild to acute occurring in different parts of the abdomen
· Temporary bloating of the abdomen
· Frequent passing of wind
· Variable and erratic motions
· Stool texture may change to impacted, watery (diarrhoea) or mucus-like
· Sufferer feels an urgent need to get to the toilet quickly
Other symptoms can occur and include depressive symptoms (affecting one third of sufferers), nausea, headaches, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains and the need to pass urine more frequently. Symptoms may pass quickly or last for long periods, with flare-ups from time to time. Symptoms may also vary over time.
IBS is a disorder of the intestinal motor function and one of the commonest conditions seen by gastroenterologists. Essentially, the process known as peristalsis (the channelling of food throughout the gut) becomes uncoordinated, resulting in a range of different symptoms from heartburn to urgent motions. A cure remains to be found.
Who is most likely to suffer from IBS?
The symptoms of IBS most commonly start in late teenage years or early adulthood. Women are affected more often than men.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS can affect any part of the gut from the mouth to the anus, so the symptoms of IBS are incredibly diverse.
In the oesophagus symptoms include heartburn, painful swallowing but food passes easily, sticking of food and a golf ball-like sensation in the throat.
In the stomach symptoms include abdominal bloating, feeling full after small meals and symptoms suggestive of a stomach ulcer.
In the bowel symptoms include:
· Pain and discomfort ranging from mild to acute occurring in different parts of the abdomen
· Temporary bloating of the abdomen
· Frequent passing of wind
· Variable and erratic motions
· Stool texture may change to impacted, watery (diarrhoea) or mucus-like
· Sufferer feels an urgent need to get to the toilet quickly
Other symptoms can occur and include depressive symptoms (affecting one third of sufferers), nausea, headaches, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains and the need to pass urine more frequently. Symptoms may pass quickly or last for long periods, with flare-ups from time to time. Symptoms may also vary over time.
