Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) goes by many names. Some people call this condition "nervous stomach." Others call it "irritable bowel," "irritable colon," or "spastic colon." The condition most often occurs in people in their late teens to early forties. Women suffer from IBS more often than men, and it might affect more than one family member.
What is IBS?
IBS is a common though uncomfortable disorder of the colon or lower bowel. While the basic cause of IBS is unknown, researchers have found that the colon muscle in people with IBS contracts more readily than in people without IBS. A number of factors can "trigger" IBS, including certain foods, medicines, and emotional stress.
The good new is that IBS is not a life-threatening condition. IBS does not make a person more likely to develop other colon conditions, such as colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer. Yet, IBS can be frustrating because it can come and go throughout life.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Some people think of IBS as the gut's response to stress in the world. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pains or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen
- Excess gas
- Harder or looser bowel movements than usual
Because these symptoms can happen over and over, a person with IBS can feel stressed or saddened by his or her condition. These feelings often become less severe as the person gains control over IBS.
How can I gain control over IBS?
Nearly all people with IBS can be helped, but no one treatment works for everyone. Usually, with a few basic changes in diet and activities, IBS will improve over time. Here are some steps you can take to help you reduce symptoms of IBS:
- Avoid caffeine (found in coffee, teas, and sodas).
- Increase fiber in your diet (found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts).
- Drink three to four glasses of water per day.
- Don't smoke.
- Learn to relax, either by getting more exercise or by reducing stress in your life.
Try limiting how much milk and cheese you consume. (Women should get 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day. If you have IBS and are concerned about your calcium intake, you can try other sources of calcium. These sources include broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, tofu, yogurt, sardines and salmon with bones, calcium foods, fortified calcium supplements, and some antacid tablets).
Keep a record of foods you eat so you can figure out which foods bring on bouts of IBS. Common food "triggers" of IBS are red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow's milk.
How can my health care provider help?
Your health care provider can:
- Make sure there is no other cause for your symptoms
- Order blood tests or X-rays if needed
- Offer appropriate medicines
- Go over your food record with you
- Answer any questions you have about stress and other IBS triggers
- Advise you about calcium supplements, if needed
- Offer support as you gain control over IBS
You can also ask a nutritionist for samples of healthy diets to follow.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
1.800.891.5389
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/9/2009...#4342
