Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed and Treated at Mercy in Baltimore

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder in which the bowel does not function properly. Normally the intestine muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm to move food through the digestive system. With IBS, the contractions may be stronger or last longer either forcing food through the system more quickly, which causes gas, bloating, and diarrhea, or slowing the food passage causing constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome:

• Does not cause the bowel tissue to become inflamed
• Does not cause the intestines to become permanently harmed
• Is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease

Irritable bowel syndrome occurs more in women than men. Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pain
• Bloating

People experiencing abdominal pain lasting at least 12 weeks, but not necessarily consecutively, should see a doctor specializing in digestive disease to determine if they have IBS.

A hydrogen breath test can be used to help diagnose IBS. To rule out other conditions, the following tests can be conducted:

• Blood test
• Stool culture
• Colonoscopy

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment focuses on lifestyle changes that include:

• Not eating foods that aggravate the intestines
• Eating smaller meals
• Eating more fiber
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep