Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disease that affects the large intestine Irritable bowel syndrome causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management
Although the signs and symptoms are distressing, irritable bowel syndrome, unlike ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, does not cause changes in the bowel tissue or increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
Only a minority of people with irritable bowel syndrome experience acute signs and symptoms Some people manage their symptoms with diet, lifestyle and stress management Others may need medical attention and medication
It is not known exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome, although many factors are involved in its development In the walls of the intestine, there are layers of muscle that rhythmically contract and relax to move food along the intestines. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, contractions may become stronger or longer, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea The opposite can happen, where weakened contractions slow down the movement of food and lead to hard, dry stools
Pathology of the nervous system of the intestines can also play a role, which is manifested by stronger than normal pain during the expansion of the intestines with gas or stool. Poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and gut can cause an overreaction to normal processes in the gut. This overreaction can cause pain, diarrhea, or constipation
Triggers are different for everyone Factors that don't cause a reaction in some people can trigger IBS in others Common triggering factors are:
- Food The role of food allergies and food intolerances in the development of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, but many people experience flare-ups of the syndrome when they eat certain foods, including: chocolate, spices, fats, fruits, beans, compost, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, sodas, and alcohol
- Stress Many people with irritable bowel syndrome experience worsening or worsening of their symptoms during periods of stress Stress cannot cause symptoms, it only makes them worse
- Hormones Because irritable bowel syndrome is twice as common in women, doctors believe that hormonal changes may play a role in its development. Many women report that symptoms worsen during menstrual periods
- Other diseases Sometimes another illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea or an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, can cause irritable bowel syndrome.
The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person and often resemble symptoms of other illnesses The most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea and constipation - often their alternation
- Mucus in the stool
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disease,
When to consult a doctor A Sh Sh 1 in 5 people have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and only 1 in 5 people with symptoms consult a doctor It is important to see your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.
Symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition include:
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Abdominal pain that goes away or starts at night
- Weight loss
Your doctor can help you manage symptoms and rule out other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. A doctor can also help you avoid potential complications, such as chronic diarrhea
