Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (digestive) problem that affects up to 15% of adults (during their lifetimes) in developed countries. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, meaning that there is a problem with the functioning of the bowel rather than in the structure of the bowel, such as an obstruction or a tumor. Irritable bowel syndrome is completely different from Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, which are inflammatory diseases of the intestine. Having IBS does not increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Gastroenterologists (doctors with specialized training in treating disorders of the bowel and other digestive organs) may be consulted to help diagnose and treat IBS. The February 22, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about irritable bowel syndrome. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the August 18, 2004, issue of JAMA.
Bloating and gas (particularly after eating)
Abdominal cramping
Constipation
Diarrhea
Urgency to have a bowel movement, sometimes right after having one
Abnormal stool form (including the passage of mucus)
Medical testing may be done to rule out other causes of these symptoms. Blood in the stool is an important reason to see your doctor. It is not a typical symptom of IBS.
Stress
Eating a large meal
High-fat meals
Menstrual periods
If your symptoms become worse after drinking milk or eating other dairy products, you may have lactose intolerance. This intolerance is the inability to digest the sugars (lactose) found in milk and is not part of IBS. Foods themselves do not cause IBS. However, persons with IBS may find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
Reduce stress.
Eat a healthful, balanced diet and avoid foods that trigger an increase in your symptoms.
Small meals during the day (instead of 3 large meals) may be beneficial.
Engage in regular physical exercise.
Medications commonly used to treat IBS symptoms include antispasmodics to decrease spasms in the bowel, antidepressants to reduce pain, and antidiarrheals to reduce stool frequency.
A prescription medication is available for short-term use in women with IBS whose primary symptom is constipation.
Grahic Jump Location
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseaseshttp://www.niddk.nih.gov
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disordershttp://www.iffgd.org
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Associationhttp://www.ibsassociation.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on colon cancer screening was published in the March 12, 2003, issue.
Sources: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Association, International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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The Rational Clinical Examination Make the Diagnosis: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Rational Clinical Examination Original Article: Will the History and Physical Examination Help Establish That Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Causing This Patient's Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Symptoms?
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