August Monthly Topic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Monthly Topic For August: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Author Disclaimer: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. Resources Used www.hopkinsmedicine.org What Is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is a common condition that causes discomfort in the stomach, and altered bowel movements. Recent research shows that most of the symptoms caused by IBS, are related to hypersensitivity of the nerves in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract wall. It is important to note that these nerves differ from the ones in a person’s spinal cord, and brain. However, for some with this condition IBS may happen when the person’s nerves in their gut may communicate may communicate with the brain or how the brain processes the information it is getting. Who is Most Effected By This Condition? In western countries IBS effects women twice as often as men. When it comes to the united states, it is very common and effects about 15% of the population. When Does A Person First Start Developing Symptoms? A person typically starts displaying symptoms before the age of forty years old. Most commonly report symptoms starting early in childhood, or as a young adult. They also report that they remember having a family member with similar symptoms. And while it is less common, symptoms of IBS can appear after a severe intestinal infection called, post infectious IBS. Other Symtoms Of IBS Include: Mucus in stool. Urgency. Feeling of incomplete evacuation Not Tied To IBS (But My Experience) Migraine headaches. Sleep disturbances. Anxiety or depression. Fibromyalgia. Chronic pelvic pain. Please Note that IBS is not to be confused with the the condition known as: Inflammatory Bowel Disease. (IBD.) Are There Different Types Of IBS? Currently there are four different subcategories. Mostly diarrhea and abdominal discomfort (IBS-D). Mostly constipation and abdominal discomfort (IBS-C). Alternating loose stools and constipation with abdominal discomfort (IBS-mixed). Undefined subtype (IBS-U) — symptoms vary. How Often Does The Person(s) Experience Symptoms? And How Often? It is important to note that people with this condition can and do live full lives, and some experiences symptom-free periods. Often the trigger for episodes is stress related. There are typically no obvious causes for what causes a person’s IBS symptoms… How To Properly Diagnosis IBS A doctor’s diagnosis will be based on specific symptoms that are present, and based on the person’s clinical history. It is also important to note that there is currently no labortory or imaging testing to determin whether a person(s) has this condition or not. A Gastroenterologist will be able to make the proper diagnosis. They will typically do an examination to rule out any other conditions and diseases. They may also do blood work to determine the diagnosis of IBS as well. The following is a short list of “red flags” That could help the doctor make the proper diagnosis of IBS as well. Onset of symptoms in someone who is more than 50 years of age. Unexplained weight loss. Anemia (low iron). Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Pain or other symptoms that awaken you in the middle of the night. For further information on this condition please consult with your trusted medical professional. Especially, if you, or someone you know is currently experiencing any “red flag” symptoms.