McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
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What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-lasting problem of the large intestine (colon). Other names for this problems are IBS or spastic colon.

IBS can be very painful. But it does not lead to death.

What is the cause?

We don't know why IBS happens. Most of the symptoms of IBS come from painful muscle movement (or spasm) of the lower part of the colon. Sometimes it slows down bowel movements. IBS can be triggered by some kinds of food. Stress or sadness can also bring on IBS.

What are the symptoms?

You may:

• Have very painful cramping and pain in the abdomen.
• Be constipated or have diarrhea.
• Have a lot of gas.

Other things to watch for are:

• bloating
• a feeling of fullness in the rectum.

You may have these symptoms after you've eaten a big meal or when you are under stress. You may feel better after you have a bowel movement.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will take your medical history. He or she will check your abdomen and do an exam of your rectum.

There is no test for IBS. Your health care provider may do these tests to look for other causes of your symptoms:

• tests of your bowel movement to check for blood and infection
• x-rays
• an exam of the inside of your colon with a thin, flexible tube and tiny camera
• a special x-ray taken after a special liquid is put through your rectum
• blood tests.

Your health care provider may ask you to eat only milk-free foods because you may have trouble digesting milk.

How is it treated?

Doctors have not yet found a cure for IBS. However, it helps to:

• Eat the right foods.

  Talk to your health care provider about whether you should eat more high-fiber foods or eat fewer high-fiber foods. Eat 6 small meals a day. Do not eat foods, like cabbage, that make gas.

• Keep a food diary.

  You may find that when you eat some kinds of food, you feel worse.

• Find ways to lower stress in your life.

  Think about what causes you stress. Get help for the stress in your life. Try different ways to take care of stress.

• Take the medicines your health care provider says will help.

  You may need medicines that give your body more fiber, or drugs to help prevent the spasms or relieve stress.

How long will it take to feel better?

You may have symptoms from time to time your whole life. There is no cure yet. But you can do many things to feel better. IBS does not turn into something worse.

How can I take care of myself?

Here's what you can do:

• Find ways to lower stress in your life. It can help to talk to a counselor.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
• Do not drink alcohol. It can make your symptoms worse.
• Choose your food with care. If you see that a food brings on your symptoms every time you eat it, stay way from it.
• Ask your health care provider about eating foods with high fiber. If you get constipated often, it may help to eat high-fiber foods. Here are some foods high in fiber:
  • whole-grain breads and cereals
  • fruits, like apricots, blackberries, coconut, dates, figs, kiwi, peaches, pears, pineapple, prunes, raspberries, and strawberries
  • nuts
  • vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, corn and popcorn, broccoli, and parsley
  • beans and lentils.
• Ask your health care provider about using medicines that give your body extra fiber.
• Eat smaller meals more often. Eat smaller portions of food at each meal.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.