The month of April is dedicated to creating awareness about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects around 15 % of the population in the United States.
IBS is a chronic, often debilitating, gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by frequent stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation that goes on for a long period.
Although common, many people remain undiagnosed and are unaware that their symptoms indicate the disorder.
Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The symptoms and severity of IBS vary between individuals. Symptoms include sharp pain, cramping, bloating, distention, fullness or even a burning sensation in the abdomen, which may be triggered by certain foods, after a meal or while undergoing emotional stress.
Some people suffer constipation or diarrhea, or sometimes both. Other indicators are mucus in stool, excessive flatulence, the feeling of urgency and incomplete bowel movements.
Certain symptoms not related to the intestine such as headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety, fibromyalgia and chronic pelvic pain also may indicate IBS.
Here are some interesting facts about IBS:
- IBS is unpredictable as the same person may sometimes have contradictory symptoms.
- The exact cause of the disease is not known. Medics believe it is caused due to the disturbance in the way the gut, brain and nervous system interact.
- IBS seems to affect women twice as often as men.
- Most people with IBS develop their first symptoms before the age of 40.
- Stress does not cause IBS. However, it can worsen or trigger symptoms.
- No specific therapy works for everyone. Treatment mostly includes lifestyle changes like exercising and quitting smoking and dietary changes like cutting caffeine and increasing fiber in the diet.
Foods to avoid
1. Highly processed food: Highly processed food contains a high concentration of fat, sugar and salt, which can cause flare-ups in IBS patients. Food items like chips, deep-fried snacks, processed meat and premade frozen meals…
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