Question 1

what is irritable bowel syndrome ?

Accepted Answer

Bowel disorder: Irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) is a condition where the intestinal tract is "sensative" to certain foods or other environmental factors (such as stress) and causes the intestinal tract to exhibit certain symptoms. These symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and others. See your family doctor to make sure other conditions are not causing these symptoms.

Question 2

any meds for irritable bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most experts recommend increasing fiber intake, including the use of fiber supplements. Osmotic laxatives, lubiprostone, and antispasmodic medications are used. Low dose tricyclic antidepressants and ssri medications can also be effective for ibs symptoms. See your doctor for additional help.

Question 3

how to manage irritable bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

1st: fiber and water: A high fiber diet with sufficient amounts of water intake is the first line of management. You correctly identified that ibs is managed but not cured. Stress management is a powerful adjunct. There are some clinical trials investigating other forms of treatment. Poorly absorbed oralantibiotics are used in europe, but rarely in the us due to other risks.

Question 4

how is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Irritable bowel synd: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is relatively benign compared to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBS is diagnosed clinically based upon Rome or Manning criteria (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20024578). Depending upon age &amp; other risk factors, some invasive testing eg colonoscopy may be performed but often diagnosis made clinical

Question 5

how can i treat irritable bowel syndrome ?

Accepted Answer

Diet and fluids: I rarely prescribe meds for ibs. In my experience teaching people to eat and drink properly resolves most if not all symptoms when the patient is compliant and follows through. Hi fiber, 80-100 ounces non caffeine, non alcoholic beverages each day, regular meal times, excercise. Consistency is the key to being symptom free.

Question 6

how can you cure irritable bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Diet and fluids: And pro-biotics seem to help if patient is compliant. Eat a high fiber diet, regular meal times and similar portions and drink 80-100 oz of caffeine free, alcohol free fluid daily.

Question 7

what are signs of irritable bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

IBS in a nutshell: Irritable bowel is a syndrome complex that spans many etiologies & contributants (see earlier healthtap answers). Often, patients complain of altered stool pattern (diarrhea, constipation, or both), abdominal pain, bloating, gassiness, fullness, distension, nausea, cramps. Symptoms seldom awaken the patient, may improve with stooling, & when uncomplicated are not accompanied by fever or bleeding.

Question 8

is irritable bowel syndrome common in asia?

Accepted Answer

Lower in Asia: IBS is present in 10% to 20% of adults in the US. [2] one study conducted in a health maintenance organization population showed the prevalence of iIBS symptoms in respondents to be 19.5%. [3] the prevalence is similar in Europe, although it may be lower in Asia and Africa.

Question 9

can exercise treat irritable bowel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One of the factors that increases the severity of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is stress.  Exercise generally decreases stress for most people and thus may help with treating irritable bowel syndrome.  Fiber (either natural or supplemental) typically helps as well as meditation and yoga.  Some prescription medications do exist and work to varying degrees.

Question 10

can irritable bowel syndrome effect children?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Both irritable bowel syndrome as well as chrohn's disease can affect children. If you are suspicious, ask for a pediatric GI consult.

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