Irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the movement of contents through the gastrointestinal tract (motility). Irritable bowl syndrome, also referred to as spastic colon, produces abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. With IBS, irritants such as stress, certain foods, certain drugs, and hormones may cause the gastrointestinal tract to contract abnormally. IBS is more common among women than men.
In people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the digestive tract is sensitive to certain stimuli, including stress, diet, drugs, hormones, and other irritants. These irritants cause the digestive tract to contract abnormally, resulting in diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) affects women 3 times more often than men. People with IBS typically have alternating symptoms of constipation or diarrhea. Oftentimes, patients experience a predominance of either constipation or diarrhea when symptomatic.
People with IBS typically have episodic (as opposed to constant) symptoms. A recurrence of symptoms (often referred to as flare-ups, bouts, or attacks) are often caused by eating too much or too quickly. This can result in the rapid transit of food and stool through the large intestine, leading to diarrhea. A high-calorie or high-fat diet may cause IBS symptoms as well. Wheat, dairy products, coffee, tea, or citrus fruits can also aggravate IBS symptoms. Triggers not associated with diet can also worsen IBS symptoms. An IBS flare-up can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, and intense emotion.
When a person with irritable bowl syndrome is exposed to IBS triggers, changes in bowel function can occur. Diarrhea caused by IBS can begin suddenly and with extreme urgency. The diarrhea usually occurs during the day; nighttime diarrhea caused by IBS is rare. IBS symptoms can also include abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, nausea, fever, headaches, depression, and anxiety.
Most people with IBS appear otherwise healthy. A physician will need to order various tests to differentiate irritable bowl syndrome from Crohn's disease, colitis, and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
