Confusion around IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is an ailment involving the bowels or intestines, in particular the colon or large bowel. IBS can be difficult to diagnose correctly as the major symptoms which includes, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and constipation are quite common complaints in the modern world.

These symptoms can also be the result of many other conditions, including bowel cancer. If you regularly experience any of these symptoms you should see your doctor as a precaution for the following medical checks, kidney function tests, thyroid function tests, liver function tests, tests for inflammation and examination of faeces for bacteria and parasites. For patients over the age of 45, it is advisable to have a large bowel examination by x-ray or colonoscopy to exclude cancer.

In the old days, many doctors believe that that IBS was simply a physcosomatic disease, caused by anxiety, depression or panic. The reason for this belief was the fact that no signs of disease could be found in the bowel to explain the symptoms. Nowadays, although it is known that psychological factors can affect IBS, this disease is no longer dismissed as largely all in the mind.

Many people still shoe that as no serious disease is found in the barrels that IBS is a trivial problem. This is far from the truth, although IBS is not a dangerous disease the effects and symptoms can be devastating for the patient.

The abdominal pain of irritable bowel syndrome can be most severe and have serious impacts on the patient’s everyday life. IBS is certainly not a minor problem in fact it is the commonest reason for referral to gastroenterology department’s worldwide. For example the annual costs of IBS in the UK alone are estimated at £46 million and in the USA over $1.6 billion!

If you believe you me have IBS you should visit your doctor to check that you are indeed suffering from IBS and get advice on any medication which may help the symptoms.

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• IBS Around the Web (fightingfatigue.org)
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• Interstitial Cystitis & IBS Around the Web (fightingfatigue.org)
• Bowel Problems ~ Symptoms Diagnosis by a Doctor (healthhype.com)
• Causes of Chronic (Prolonged, Persistent, Constant) Diarrhea (healthhype.com)