What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is part of a spectrum of diseases known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders which include diseases such as noncardiac chest pain, nonulcer dyspepsia, and chronic constipation or diarrhea. These diseases are all characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms for which no structural or biochemical cause can be found.
This is *NOT* a variant of UC and Crohn’s. UC and Crohn’s disease are defined by the presence of inflammation in the intestine. There is no inflammation in the intestine in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Functional Bowel Syndrome (FBS), Functional Bowel Disease (FBD) or spastic colon . Older terms for IBS are spastic or mucous colitis or even simply “colitis”. These terms are no longer used because they cause people to confuse IBS with UC. IBS is characterized by a variety of symptom patterns which include diarrhea, constipation, alternating diarrhea/constipation and abdominal pain. Fever and/or bleeding are NOT features of IBS. IBS is much more common than CD or UC and many people with symptoms of IBS do not seek medical attention. Some patients with Crohns or UC can also have concurrent IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. A functional disorder or functional complaint means that there or no recognizable organic causes which can explain the symptoms. The affected people suffer from ever returning troubles such as stomach aches, irregular bowel movements (diarrhea and constipation) and flatulence. Very many people suffer from an irritable bowel. Some have constant complaints, but most have them only once in awhile and then they occur in special situations. The underlying causes are until now not clearly explainable. Things such as dietary habits, food intolerances and psychological burdens are considered triggers for the illness. The diagnosis normally takes place through a thorough questioning of the medical history and symptoms of the patient and a detailed body examination. In order to rule out any other diseases of the digestive tract, other tests can be necessary. The treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is individually determi
