Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that leads to mild to severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and other symptoms. IBS affects an estimated 10-15 percent of Americans, but many more people go untreated because they’re too embarrassed to discuss the signs with their doctor. While it is a recognized disorder, some people still do not take those that have IBS seriously or they think it’s “all in their heads.”
IBS can occur at any age and has been known to effect women more often than men. For many individuals, IBS is a periodic annoyance, but for others it can impact their quality of life and make them hesitant to travel or attend social events. The unpredictability of IBS, can also lead to increased stress that in turn can increase the severity of the symptoms.
“Unfortunately, people often snicker or avoid talking about intestinal challenges, choosing instead to suffer in silence,” says Mitchell Strand, MD, chief medical officer of Touchstone Health HMO. “Senior citizens should visit their physician to rule out any other diseases and create an appropriate treatment plan to help reduce the discomfort and stress associated with IBS.”
The symptoms of IBS range from mild to severe, vary from person to person, and can be contradictory. The main indicators are abdominal pain, feeling full, excess gas, and bloating that has been present for at least three days a month for the last three months. Symptoms are often reduced after a bowel movement and usually occur when there is a change in bowel movement frequency. People with IBS have constipation or diarrhea, or may suffer from both alternatively.
Although the causes of IBS are unknown, there are many theories ranging from the result of a previous intestinal infection to psychological stress to a dietary reaction. And with this uncertainty, doctors, as well as those afflicted with the disease, may have different opinions about what is causing the symptoms, and which treatments help.
There are no tests to diagnose IBS, but your physician may do tests to rule out other diseases that are symptomatically similar. For many people, the symptoms of IBS get better over time but may come back later but for others they are consistently present. The goal for IBS treatment is to relieve symptoms and, since these are inconsistent between individuals, the treatment plans must also be individualized and may include medication, lifestyle changes or dietary modifications.
IBS may be a lifelong condition and often unpredictable requiring coping strategies for those with the most severe debilitation. Examples include: eating small meals throughout the day, taking prepared food to parties, reviewing restaurant menus in advance, choosing aisle seating at events and locating bathrooms immediately at unfamiliar locations. With appropriate treatment and a little planning in advance, those suffering from IBS can reduce the impact the disorder has on their life.