Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not an exact science. The severity of the disease varies from individual to individual - as does the symptoms - but generally IBS is classified as a "functional disorder". This term is used for a disease or disorder where the way "your system works" has been altered in a way that is difficult to identify by means of traditional examinations like x-ray and blood tests etc.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is categorised as a multi-faceted disease, which means that sufferers of IBS suffer from one or more of the following disturbances:
problems in the interaction between the brain and the intestines/gut
disturbance in the autonomic nervous systems (regulates bowel movements)
sensory malfunctions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are usually one or more of the following:
Abdominal pain
Discomfort due to build-up of tapped wind/bloating
Frequent loose bowel movements
Diarrhea
Constipation
Heartburn
The feeling of being full - even after small meals
It is not known exactly what causes IBS. There are strong suggestions - however - that the disease is triggered by stressful "life changing events" such as moving house, changing jobs or bereavement. About half of the people suffering from the condition can refer the start of the symptoms back to such events - indicating that there is psychological links to the disease - which may be why it has been referred to as "The Brain/Gut disease".
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis
As stated above there is no single blood test, scan or x-ray that can diagnose IBS. These tests are still carried out though - in order to rule out other conditions.
Other investigations made could include endoscopic examinations of the bowel and/or stomac, and ultrasound.
More often than not, the diagnosis is made based on the presence of one or more of the symptoms above.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diets
A good healthy diet can be instrumental in relieving the symptoms of IBS and keeping the condition under control. While keeping to an IBS diet doesn't cure the disease it can greatly increase IBS sufferers comfort and ability to live with the condition.
The following is a few good tips to help you:
Food with a high amount of fibre improves digestion. Start slowly, and let your system get used to the increase in fibre intake.
Drink lots of water. This is necessary with a high fibre diet anyway. The recommended daily intake of water should be no less than 3 litres.
Avoid food that makes the symptoms worse. Coffee and milk are among the sinners, along with certain vegetables known to produce a lot of wind (onions/cabbage/beans).
Keep a food diary to help you identify food that seems to cause you trouble.
Avoid large meals. Eat small and often.
Other things you can do to try and help control Irritable Bowel Syndrom includes, but are not limited to:
Physical activity and exercise. It helps reduce stress and improves digestion.
Reduce stressful situations in your life.
Try not to worry too much, as this can lead to digestive problems, and psychological/social problems.
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS usually occurs periodically throughout the sufferers life. The symptoms can increase or improve and even disappear.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is NOT a life-threatening disease, and will not lead to bowel cancer and other serious digestional conditions.
Most sufferers are able, assisted by medication and diets, to live a close to normal life. This blog provides links to materials that will help sufferes of IBS to relieve their symptoms, and to better understand the condition.
For more information on how to live with IBS and how to manage the symptoms - Click Here
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