A Detailed Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Understanding the description of irritable bowel syndrome is very important, especially if you suffer with the condition yourself, because you will then be more educated and informed on the matter and be able to find the most suitable method of treatment.

Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For a description of irritable bowel syndrome one of the first things that should be noted is that it is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in the world. The most common symptoms of this disorder are abdominal cramping, bloating and gas, and constipation. Although most people with irritable bowel syndrome tend to find that their symptoms begin to improve over time, there are some cases which are so severe they are almost debilitating.

Necessary to be discussed in the description of irritable bowel syndrome is the signs and symptoms that are typically experienced as a result of the disorder. These can vary greatly from one person to another, but there are a few that are among the most common, including a bloated feeling, abdominal pain and cramping, mucous in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, and gas.

No one knows exactly what it is that causes the irritable bowel syndrome, but there are a few risk factors that are considered as being associated with the disorder. Many people have occasional signs and symptoms of the disorder but you are more likely to have the condition if you are young and female. Overall about twice as many women have the condition and genetics and heredity are also believed to play a major role here.

Also to be discussed in the description of irritable bowel syndrome involves the treatment that is used. There are a few treatment options that are available but most doctors recommend that patients suffering from the condition begin by simply making a change in their diet. It is important to eliminate fatty and greasy foods from your diet and add healthier foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals.

Although in most cases you can successfully control the condition by managing stress and making minor changes in your diet, there are cases that are more serious and where you may need more than lifestyle changes alone can offer.

In these cases doctors will tend to recommend fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, elimination of high-gas foods, anticholinergic medications, and antidepressant medications. Just make sure that you are aware of any side effects that may be caused as a result of any of these medications so you can be prepared.