Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common 'functional' disorder of the gut, which includes the bowels. This means there is a problem with the function of a part of the bowel/gut with no abnormality in the structure of the gut. This means when investigating the gut, it would look normal under the microscope. You can develop IBS at any stage in life, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers. Women are affected more often than men.
It is not very clear what IBS is caused by. It may have something to do with overactivity of the gut. Stress or emotional upset may play a role. About half of people with IBS can relate the start of symptoms to a stressful event in their lives. Symptoms tend to become worse during times of stress or anxiety. Intolerance to certain foods may play a part in some cases. Onset of symptoms seems to follow a bout of gastroenteritis (a gut infection which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting). So, perhaps a virus or other germ may 'sensitise' or 'trigger' the gut in some way to cause persisting symptoms of IBS.
With IBS there is pain and discomfort, which may occur in different parts of the abdomen. This usually comes and goes and is commonly referred to as colicky or spasmodic pain. The duration of each bout of discomfort can vary. The pain often eases when you pass stools or wind. The severity of the pain can vary from mild to severe, both from person to person, and from time to time in the same person.
Bloating and swelling of your abdomen may develop. You may pass more wind than usual.
Some people have bouts of diarrhoea, and some have bouts of constipation. Some people have bouts of diarrhoea that alternate with bouts of constipation. Sometimes the stools become small and pellet like. Sometimes the stools become watery. There have been reports of mucus mixed with the stools. Some people have urgency, which means you have to get to the toilet quickly. A 'morning rush' is common. This is often during and after breakfast.
Other symptoms include: nausea (feeling sick), headache, belching, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains, feeling quickly 'full' after eating, heartburn and bladder symptoms.
Doctors group people with IBS into one of three categories:
1. Those with abdominal pain or discomfort, and the other symptoms are mainly bloating and constipation.
2. Those with abdominal pain or discomfort, and the other symptoms are mainly urgency to get to the toilet and diarrhoea.
3. Those who alternate between constipation and diarrhoea.
Passing blood is not a symptom of IBS. You should tell a doctor if you pass blood. If you think you suffer from IBS contact your doctor for further advice, as there are treatments available.
Asia Yousaf - ASIA YOUSAF
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