Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a functional bowel disease. It has many different symptoms, but it is not life threatening. It is mainly treated by diet and stress management.
Symptoms
The biggest symptoms, which tend to cause many of the other symptoms, are diarrhea and constipation. Other symptoms often present are bloating and cramping. People with IBS often say they have a stomachache; this is generally the result of bloating and cramping. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur with more severe episodes.
Types
IBS is generally diagnosed as being one of three types: diarrhea-dominant; constipation-dominant; or some of both.
Treatment
There are several prescription drugs that are used to treat IBS. Lotronex is meant to treat diarrhea-specific IBS. Anti-depressants that use serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are popular and seem to work well. Antispasmodics work to reduce cramping. Immodium and Lomotil treat diarrhea. Pain killers are sometimes used to treat more severe cases of IBS.
Diet
Diets low in fat and moderate in protein are easier for people with IBS to digest. Carbohydrates are fine as long as refined sugars and sugar alcohols are avoided or minimized.
Small, frequent meals are easier to digest, which reduces symptoms of IBS.
Warning
If you think you have IBS, please consult your doctor, as other more serious conditions, including ovarian cancer, share many of the same symptoms.
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