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Gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of  disorders of the stomach and intestines) who diagnose IBS say that t is one of the most common disorders seen by physicians.

It is often referred to as:
 
• spastic colon
• mucous colitis
• spastic colitis
• nervous stomach
• irritable colon

For the record it should be said that:

• IBS is not caused by stress.
• It is not psychological
• It is not a psychiatric disorder.
• It is not, "All in the mind."

In fact IBS goes under the classification of a "functional" disorder.

A ‘functional disorder’ is a disorder (or a disease) where the fundamental abnormality is what is known as a ‘changed physiological function’ rather than an identifiable biochemical cause.

It characterises a disorder that can not be generally diagnosed in the usual way such as inflammation, infection or other abnormality, seen by normal examination like x-ray or blood test.

In people with IBS, symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the gut/intestines, the brain and the nervous system that alters the normal regulation of bowel movement.

The group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated is also characterised with a change in the normal pattern of the bowel such as loose or more frequent bowel movements, diarrhoea and/or constipation.

There are treatments available to manage IBS regardless if the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.

Abdominal pain has been reported as initially like cramps or an ache with overlapping moments of abdominal cramps, although sharp, dull, gas-like, or nondescript pains are also common. The stomach discomfort or pain is usually relieved with a bowel movement.

"Irritable Bowel" refers to a disturbance in the regulation of bowel function that results in unusual sensitivity and muscle activity. "Syndrome" refers to a number of symptoms and not one symptom exclusively.

Most people suffer from a bowel disturbance at some stage in their life but for those with IBS the symptoms occur more often, either continuously or on and off and regardless of sex or age.

Some or all of IBS symptoms can occur at the same time and some symptoms may be more pronounced than others.

Doctors’ don’t use specific diagnostic tests to confirm IBS. Rather it involves identifying certain symptoms consistent with the disorder and excluding other medical conditions that may have a similar clinical presentation. They emphasize a positive diagnosis rather than exhaustive tests to rule out other diseases.

These criteria are based on the presentation of a specific set of symptoms, a detailed history and a physical examination with limited diagnostic tests to help confirm this diagnosis with a high level of confidence. Extensive testing may be reserved for specific situations.

Symptoms can vary and sometimes seem contradictory, such as alternating diarrhoea and constipation.

Anaemia, bleeding, unexplained weight loss or fever is not characteristic of IBS. You should alert your physician immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Other factors that may suggest the presence of an organic disease include awakening from sleep at night, family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and onset of symptoms (or change in symptoms) over the age of 50.

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Editor
Healthy Living Store

Author: Peter Charalambos

Granted Expert Author Status