Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Ibs)
Description
Recurrent constipation and diarrhea associated with abdominal pain. The symptoms experienced arise from the large intestine (colon). The colon in irritable bowel syndrome is normal appearing, but the symptoms are thought to come from abnormal contractions of the colon. It is not contagious or inherited. Women are affected twice as often as men and the cause of the disorder is not known.
Symptoms
The symptoms can be mild to severe. Many patients have episodes of diarrhea followed by constipation. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, abdominal fullness, gas, bloating, abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, emotional distress, depression.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and/or colonoscopy may be done. Tests usually reveal no physiologic abnormalities for the symptoms.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- CT Scan
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. The following medications may be prescribed: anticholinergic medications before meals, anti-diarrheal medications, and/or low-dose antidepressants. Counseling and dietary changes are recommended. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov or call (800) 891-5389
Related Videos
Research
News
NEW YORK----Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a devel...
Medicity, Inc., leading provider of health informat...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also called functio...
Q. My sister has nervous bowel syndrome, and her do...
Dear Dr. Donohue: My sister has nervous bowel syndr...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.