Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By: Rocco Paolino

Definition • A combination of intermittent abdominal

pain, constipation and/or diarrhea.

Cause • Abnormal contractions of muscles in the intestinal

walls• Develops after gastrointestinal infection• Stress, anxiety or depression are often part of

(IBS)• Peristalsis becomes irregular and uncoordinated

disrupting normal digestive process• Over eating or binge eating, known to aggravate

(IBS)• Too much fat in diet• Eating too quickly, eating irregularly, smoking

Cause

• Muscles in colon don’t work may spasm• Colon more sensitive to food and

medication• Food allergies, bacteria

Symptoms • Abdominal bloating and excessive quantities of

gas• Abdominal pain, often on lower left side, relieved

by defecation or passing gas• Diarrhea may be most severe on waking and may

alternate with inconsistent constipation that may produce rabbit pellet stools

• Feeling that bowel is not completely empty• Mucus passing during defection• Nausea and Vomiting • Often full and not finishing meals

Symptoms

• Loose stools • Diarrhea • Constipation • Alternating diarrhea and constipation • Urge to move bowels again immediately

following a bowel movement • Mucus in the stool

May Worsen Symptoms

• Menstrual periods • Large meals or fatty foods• Excess gas

Diet• Dairy• Onions, Cabbage • Large amounts of alcohol or caffeine • Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains, high fibre foods• Smaller meals• Eat slowly, don’t swallow air• Drink water- helps reduce constipation

Stress Management

• Relaxation • Biofeedback• Counselling

Education

• Learn about (IBS)• Join support group

Body Systems Effected

• Digestive System

Transmission

• Not Contagious • Possibly some genetic factors• Cannot be spread

Diagnosis

• The number of tests • No single test that can diagnose disorder• Emotional or physiological problems • Sigmoidoscopy • Barium Enema

Prevention• Enough fibre in diet • Stop smoking, avoid excessive amounts of

caffeine • Yoga, relaxation techniques • Regular excersise • Imagery tape to listen to at home • A round of golf or tennis or a half hours

worth of swimming laps• Healthy outlets for stress

Treatment

• Change diet and relaxation techniques • Antispasmodic drugs to relax contractions

of digestive tract, help relieve abdominal pain

Outcome

• People recover with treatment • No long term effects• If no treatment you will have sever pain and

sickness

People At Risk

• 20-30 year old men or women• Females twice as common• People with stress in their lives• Certain foods make symptoms worse

Other

• As many as 2 in 10 people have symptoms of (IBS)