Does it seem that every time you visit your favorite restaurant and have a spicy dish, you develop severe abdominal cramps with pain and bloating? Perhaps it has been happening for quite some time. You may be experiencing a digestive system condition called irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

Symptoms

IBS is a digestive system condition in which food moves through the intestines quicker or slower than normal. It is more common in women than men and usually starts around the age of 20. IBS is also called irritable colon, spastic bowel, and functional bowel syndrome.

Symptoms of IBS include constipation, mucus in the stool, bloating, gas, diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain, and an immediate urge to pass stools. These symptoms may be aggravated by having a big meal or eating an unbalanced diet and during menstrual periods in women or stressful conditions such as travelling.

The symptoms of IBS worsen in people who are lactose intolerant, which is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. If you have trouble digesting dairy products, you should speak with your doctor.

Most people suffer from IBS for a long time without being treated. It is always best to consult a doctor at the onset of symptoms, as treatment will prevent aggravating the problem. Your doctor will conduct a complete medical examination and take note of all your symptoms. There is no specific diagnostic test for IBS; this condition is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and test results. However, the doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays, and testing a stool sample to rule out any other medical condition.

Your doctor also may conduct a colonoscopy to see if there are any underlying problems, such as abnormal growths, ulcers, inflamed tissue, or polyps in the colon. During a colonoscopy, a tube with a camera at its end is passed through the anus into the colon. An image captured is displayed on a screen for the doctor to see.

IBS treatment depends on the types of symptoms. For example, if one of the symptoms is diarrhea, your doctor will recommend an anti-diarrheal medication containing atropine or loperamaide. If you are experiencing constipation, your doctor may recommend more fiber or prescribe laxatives. An anti-spasmodic such as belladonna alkaloids, together with phenobarbital, may be recommended to relax the muscles in the bladder and colon.

Women with chronic IBS may benefit from a medication called alosetron, though this is only taken with caution. In fact, all medications for IBS should be taken only after consulting with a doctor; otherwise, they may lead to serious complications.

Controlling IBS

There are many ways that you can control IBS. These include eating a healthy diet and avoiding fatty foods, which are difficult to digest. Eating several small meals throughout the day may also control symptoms such as cramping and diarrhea, which may be caused by eating large meals. Another way to control symptoms is to drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Although the reasons are unclear, proper hydration may prevent symptoms related to diarrhea. Also, avoid the excessive use of laxatives, and manage your stress through relaxation techniques.

A high-fiber diet helps promote regular bowel movements. If you are suffering from constipation, then you should talk to your doctor about a diet rich in insoluble and soluble fibers. Foods that contain insoluble fibers are wheat bran, whole wheat bread, and vegetables. These aid digestion by bulking up the stool.

Foods such as citrus fruits, apples, beans, and vegetables are examples of soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like substance when dissolved in water. Soluble fiber helps treat constipation as well as diarrhea. It is important to introduce fiber to your diet slowly. Increasing intake too suddenly can cause bloating and gas in the abdomen.

Foods that Aggravate Symptoms

Certain foods and substances, such as caffeine, fat, chocolate, alcohol, beans, cabbage, and some fruits may aggravate the symptoms of IBS. Caffeine and fat contract the intestine causing cramps in the abdomen. Eating beans, cabbage, and certain fruits can cause gas, as well as drinking carbonated beverages, eating too quickly, and chewing gum can also cause gas. If you notice that a certain food causes discomfort, slowly decrease its intake.

Stressful situations may worsen IBS symptoms. The nerves of the colon are connected to the brain, and they contract as a response to anger and anxiety. These contractions of the colon cause abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor about methods to reduce your stress. One method of reducing stress is relaxation. Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, exercise, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, and massage. You may also want to speak with a counselor to discuss the cause of your stress.

Living with IBS

Although IBS doesn’t usually get worse, it can recur. Fortunately, you can control your symptoms. By following a well-planned, healthy diet, avoiding foods that aggravate symptoms, and using stress-relieving techniques, you can learn to control IBS and continue your normal lifestyle.