IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS as it is commonly called, is a condition that affects 15% of the entire population. Women most frequently experience IBS, but men can also be affected by this condition. In the past, IBS was referred to as a spastic colon, and there are many symptoms that can be attributed to the disease. While it may not be lethal in and of itself, IBS may be a sign that there is an underlying health condition.

The symptoms of IBS include:

Intense Gas Pain

- This pain may be varied in how it presents, but it is normally relieved after a bowel movement. Patients have described it as intense gas pain while others have compared it to ulcers. The pain level may differ from patient to patient.

Disruption in the Frequency of Bowel Movements

- Sufferers of IBS frequently note that they experience periods of diarrhea, followed by periods of constipation. This begins a cycle that is quite disruptive and can be very draining on the individual. Bowel movements may be more frequent than three in one day, or may be as infrequent as three in a week.

Change in Stool's Appearance

- IBS sufferers frequently note that the appearance of their stools changes during a flare up of the disease. They may notice hard pellet-like bowel movements, or they may be thin and watery.

Secondary Symptoms

- There are numerous secondary symptoms of IBS that include heart palpitations, fatigue, an unpleasant taste in the mouth as well as a headache or backache. Both primary and secondary symptoms may flare up during stressful situations or during a woman's menstrual period.

When It May Be Serious

Although IBS is no walk in the park, there are times when it may be indicating that there is a serious underlying health problem. Sufferers that are receiving treatment but notice that their symptoms are getting worse, those with severe abdominal pain or those with unexplained weight loss should seek medical attention.

It is recommended that those suffering from IBS receive frequent colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopy). Many of the symptoms of IBS are similar to that of colon cancer, and it is vital to rule out this disease. Colon cancer can be very easily treated, or even prevented, but only when it is caught in the early stages. Frequent colon cancer screenings can ensure that the cancer will be caught while it is still treatable, or prevented if a precancerous lesion is detected and removed. It is because of these facts that the rates for survival are much higher for those that receive frequent screenings.