USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
WHAT IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of the intestines that leads
to abdominal pain, bloating, gassiness, intermittent diarrhea, and
constipation. This disease can be chronic or recurrent for which
no structural or biochemical cause can be found. For doctors this
is a diagnosis of exclusion and every diagnostic test has been negative.
IBS can cause a lot of discomfort, but it does not cause permanent harm
to the intestines and does not cause cancer. For some people it causes
fear of going to social events, to go to work, or to even travel, but many
people can control their symptoms through diet, stress management, and
symptomatic treatment.
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WHO IS AFFECTED?
Men and women of all ages and races are affected by IBS. The prevalence
in this country ranges from 10-20% with half of them affecting patients
before age 30. Also, women are affected twice as often as men
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WHAT CAUSES IBS?
The cause of IBS is thought to be the result of abnormal contractions of
large intestines. These contractions may be faster or slower than
normal. The cause is unknown. It is thought that diet, stress,
homones or genetic factors may be a cause.
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FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms may last for days, weeks, or months.
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Cramp-like pain in the middle or one side of the abdomen. Usually
relieved with bowel movement.
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Nausea
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Bloating
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Headaches
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Backache
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Appetite loss
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Diarrhea
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Mucous stools
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Constipation
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Fatigue
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Depression
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HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS OF IBS MADE?
The diagnosis of IBS is based on recurrent or chronic bowel symptoms in
a healthy person. There is no specific test for IBS. However,
tests are performed to exclude other causes like parasites, food poisoning,
Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance, colon cancer, etc.
SOME COMMON TESTS FOR EXCLUSION INCLUDE:
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Parasite culture
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Stool culture for inflammation
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Lower GI x-ray
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Flex Sigmoidoscopy
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HOW IS IBS TREATED?
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Keep a log book of all foods you eat or situations when your symptoms are
aggrravated. Also keep a record of how you were feeling right before
your symptoms started. Then avoid these aggravating things.
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Medications for symptomatic treatment:
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Pain - hyoscyamine (Anaspaz,Levsin) or dicycloamine
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Diarrhea- loperamide (Immodium A-D)
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Diet changes: high fiber diet to help constipation ie. Cereals, breads,
raw vegetables, and fruits.
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Limit alcohol and avoid gas producing and spicy foods.
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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EXPECTED OUTCOME
IBS is a recurrent chronic GI problem that will occur throughout life.
However, it is not life threatening and does not progress to cancer.
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WHEN DO YOU NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR?
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Fever develops
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Black or tarry looking stools
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Vomiting occurs
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Unexplained weight loss of 5lbs or more
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Symptoms do not improve with treatment
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HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT IBS?
International Foundation for Functional GI Disorders
P.O. Box 17864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 964-1799
Also you can visit these websites