What
is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem with the
intestines. In people with IBS, the intestines squeeze
too hard or not hard enough and food moves too quickly or
too slowly through the intestines.
IBS also is called functional bowel syndrome, irritable
colon (the large intestine also is called the colon),
spastic bowel, and spastic colon. It is not the same as
inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.
What are the
symptoms of IBS?
The box below lists common symptoms of IBS. The symptoms
may get worse when you are under stress, such as when you
travel, attend social events, or change your daily
routine. Your symptoms also may get worse if you do not
eat a healthy diet or after you have eaten a big meal.
Some people are bothered more by certain foods. Women who
have IBS may notice symptoms during their menstrual
periods.
How is IBS
diagnosed?
Your doctor may start by asking you questions about your
symptoms. If your symptoms have had a pattern over time,
the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that IBS is
the cause.
If your symptoms have just started, something else may be
the cause. Your doctor may need to do some tests, such as
a blood test or colonoscopy, to make sure that your
symptoms are not caused by something other than IBS.
How is IBS
treated?
The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet,
avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse, and find
ways to handle your stress.
Why is fiber
helpful?
Fiber can be helpful because it improves the way the
intestines work. There are two kinds of fiber: soluble
and insoluble. (Soluble means it dissolves in liquid.)
Soluble fiber helps both diarrhea and constipation.
Insoluble fiber may make diarrhea worse.
Insoluble fiber is in fruits, vegetables, whole grain
breads, and cereals. Psyllium (say silly-um), which is a
natural vegetable fiber, and oat bran are soluble fibers.
You can buy psyllium (some brand names: Fiberall,
Metamucil, Perdiem) at the store. Oat bran is in some
cereals, bread, or muffins. You also can add it to other
foods. You can find it in grocery stores and health food
stores.
Increase the fiber in your diet little by little. Some
people feel bloated and have gas if they add too much
fiber too quickly. Gas and bloating usually go away as
you get used to eating more fiber.
Do certain
foods cause IBS?
No. Foods do not cause IBS. But some foods may make you
feel worse. Things that may make symptoms worse include
foods high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can make
your intestines contract (squeeze), which may cause
cramps. If gas is a problem for you, you might want to
avoid foods that tend to make gas worse. These include
beans, cabbage, and some fruits.
Keeping a diary of what you eat and what your symptoms
are for a few weeks may be a good way to find out if a
food bothers you. If you think a food makes you feel
worse, try not eating it. But do not cut out foods unless
they have caused you problems more than once.
What about milk
and milk products?
If milk and other dairy products bother you, you may have
lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means your body
cannot digest lactose (the sugar in milk).
Dairy products may seem to make IBS symptoms worse if you
are lactose intolerant. If this seems to be the case, you
may need to limit the amount of milk and dairy products
in your diet. Talk to your doctor if you think you have
trouble digesting dairy products.