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Alternative names Return to top
Nervous indigestion; Spastic colon; Intestinal neurosis; Functional colitis; Irritable colon; Mucous colitis; Laxative colitisDefinition Return to top
Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a complex disorder of the lower intestinal tract. It is mainly characterized by a pattern of symptoms that is often worsened by emotional stress. The condition involves hypersensitivity to pain in the gut, combined with altered bowel habits resulting in diarrhea, constipation, or both.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel function. There are many possible causes. For instance, there may be a disturbance in the muscle movement of the intestine or a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine. There is no abnormality in the structure of the intestine.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can occur at any age, but often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women. Predisposing factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, use of laxatives, a bout of infectious diarrhea, or other temporary bowel inflammation.
Irritable bowel syndrome is extremely common, but only a small proportion of people seek treatment.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Changes in diet may help alleviate symptoms in some patients. No diet is applicable to all patients.
Increasing dietary fiber and eliminating gastrointestinal stimulants such as caffeine may be beneficial. Other possible treatment may include:
A medication called tegaserod is available for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Irritable bowel syndrome may be a life-long chronic condition, but symptoms can often be improved or relieved through treatment.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or if you notice a persistent change in your bowel habits. Update Date: 7/16/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |