The term 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome' (IBS) brings to mind the idea that it is serious disease. Many are puzzled as to what the illness is and wonder about its symptoms. However, in actual fact it is a disorder and a condition where the bowels do not function properly. This disorder may not be caused by any factors but it is a dysfunction of the bowels. The non-functioning of the bowels then lead to various symptoms that a person may experience. In order to fully understand irritable bowel syndrome, one should be aware of some of the factors that contribute to this disorder and they are:
1. Symptoms - are the common signs of irritable bowel syndrome in humans. The symptoms give an idea of how irritable bowel syndrome affects the body. It is a collection of symptoms that manifest in the body to show that the bowels are not functioning properly. A person suffering from IBS may experience abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
2. Causes - As explained earlier, irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the bowels. Researchers have not
yet found out the exact causative factors for irritable bowel syndrome. However, some people have the misconception that irritable bowel syndrome is the result of consuming food items that do not agree with their digestion. Yet others misconstrue it to be caused by some sort of bacteria or virus.
3. Triggers - There are varieties of factors that serve as triggers to irritable bowel syndrome; the two main
triggers are given below:
• Stress - Research has shown that stress has a big impact on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Any form of stress including being diagnosed for IBS can trigger the symptoms. Therefore, counseling for stress management is an integral part of the treatment for IBS. Alternative therapies are used for the treatment of IBS. Yoga and acupuncture are some of the alternate therapies used to relieve stress and consequently the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Food - Consuming the wrong kind of food can trigger IBS symptoms. Foods high in fat content and alcohol, are known triggers for IBS, and hence should be avoided by those suffering from the ailment.
4. Treatments - People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have a sensitive colon that reacts to some kinds
of food, medicines or stress. Treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome involves medications and alternative therapies, along with a change in diet. The use of drugs to reduce the symptoms of IBS is prevalent today and since stress is a causative factor, relieving stress is also important to control the symptoms. A person suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome has to make efforts to keep the symptoms at bay. Diet control and relaxation techniques will help to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
