IBS

IBS is also known as spastic colon or spastic colitis, this condition is marked by chronic (more than six months) ofabdominal pain, alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea, passing gas, a sense of incomplete evacuation, and abdominal distention. Irritable bowel syndrome is strongly linked to stress and is more likely to affect women more than men.

Causes

Irritable bowel syndrome often occurs along with elevated stress levels but may also result from physical factors such as:

• Ingestion of irritants (coffee, uncooked fruits and vegetables, milk)
• Abuse of laxatives
• Periods in women

Symptoms

The following symptoms may alternate with constipation and normal bowel function:

• Lower abdominal pain, usually relieved by defecation or passing of gas
• Diarrhea
• Small, mucoid stools
• Dyspepsia
• Abdominal distention

Tests

Sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy – this is an examination of the colon or a portion of it (sigmoid), using a long flexible optical tube which sends out images through a video monitor. This is useful in spotting lesions, ulcers, and other masses in the intestine which could help rule out other GI disorders

Barium enema - this allows an x-ray image of the colon with the use of a barium contrast medium, which is injected via the rectum prior to the x-ray exam; it is useful in giving a detailed x-ray picture of the structure of the colon and possible abnormalities

Rectal biopsy - this may be done during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy; a piece of tissue from the rectal mucosa is obtained through excision for microscopic examination; a biopsy is useful in confirming if the tissue sample is benign or malignant and can help rule out cancer

Stool exam - this is useful in spotting gross or occult blood in the stool, parasites and other bacteria and may help rule out other disorders

Treatment

Counseling is often useful in helping patients understand the relationship of stress with the illness. Strict dietary restrictions are not beneficial but food irritants, once identified, should be avoided. Rest is advised and the use of sedatives and antispasmodics may be recommended.

However, patients are often be monitored for dependence which could result from chronic use of the drugs. Bowel retraining may be helpful if IBS was caused by chronic laxative abuse. The right diet and adequate hydration is always important to prevent possible malnutrition and dehydration which could result from the chronic diarrhea.