Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome rather than a disease due to the fact that there is no known cause nor can it be diagnosed with any form of test. About ten to fifteen percent of Americans are diagnosed with IBS. Typically it is adults rather than infant and children who suffer from IBS. The diagnosis for Irritable bowel syndrome is based on a set of criteria called the Rome II. There is no abnormality that is noticeable in an x-ray, biopsy, or blood or stool test.
Researchers have come up with some theories as to the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, but have not come to a conclusion. One theory suspects that an imbalance in the serotonin level could be to blame. Another theory points to bowel injury or alterations in bacteria in the intestine. Some believe that the diet has a role in causing IBS. While others believe that food intolerance is to blame.
Irritable bowel syndrome will be diagnosed if there has been abdominal pain or discomfort for a minimum of three months in the last year. The three months do not have to be consecutive. There also must be two of three of the following:
- A bowel movement relieves the pain or discomfort
- A frequency of bowel movements can be linked to the pain and discomfort
- A change in the appearance or consistency of stools can be linked to the start of the pain or discomfort.
Doctors use other symptoms to help them diagnose someone with irritable bowel syndrome and also to divide the syndrome into three distinct categories. The other symptoms are the following:
- Constipation
- More than three bowel movements in one day
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Loose or watery stools
- Having to strain during bowel movements
- Having a sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
- Incomplete emptying feeling after bowel movement
- Mucus accompanying a bowel movement
- Abdominal fullness, bloating and/or swelling
Even though the diagnosis for irritable bowel syndrome is made based on symptoms, you should avoid diagnosing yourself. Doctors not only make the diagnosis by looking at symptoms but also by ruling out other possibilities.
Other problems that can occur with the bowel are spastic colon, crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
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