Key Facts
IBS known as a functional bowel disease. Is a diagnosis that is made from the symptoms and also to rule out organic diseases. Although it never ever leads to any serious outcomes such as cancer the symptoms can be quite debilitating. Apart from the abdominal pain it can be associated with bloating, mucus in the stools, constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment
The cause of IBS is not clear hence the treatment focuses on symptom relief so that a patient with IBS can lead a normal life. Treatment ranges from increasing fiber intake to manage the constipation to the use if anti-diarrheal to manage the loose motions and anti-spasmodics for the abdominal pain. FODMAP diet may be beneficial. Counselling and occasionally anti-depressants may be of benefit.
- IBS is a common condition affecting 1 in 5
- Is a condition that affects the large intestine
- There are no conclusive tests and diagnosis is usually made from the symptoms and exclusion of other serious conditions
- Importantly IBS does not lead to serious complications such as colon cancer
IBS known as a functional bowel disease. Is a diagnosis that is made from the symptoms and also to rule out organic diseases. Although it never ever leads to any serious outcomes such as cancer the symptoms can be quite debilitating. Apart from the abdominal pain it can be associated with bloating, mucus in the stools, constipation or diarrhea.
Treatment
The cause of IBS is not clear hence the treatment focuses on symptom relief so that a patient with IBS can lead a normal life. Treatment ranges from increasing fiber intake to manage the constipation to the use if anti-diarrheal to manage the loose motions and anti-spasmodics for the abdominal pain. FODMAP diet may be beneficial. Counselling and occasionally anti-depressants may be of benefit.