Irritable bowel syndrome has sometimes been dismissed as a psychosomatic illness, but for the
35 million Americans who experience its symptoms, the condition is far from imaginary.

At first, Collette Easton, a former dance teacher from Boise, Idaho, thought she might have colon cancer, an illness that runs in her family. “There were days when I had to go to the bathroom at least 10 times. I was often in pain and had frequent diarrhea, but worst of all was feeling dizzy and
nauseous most of the time.”

Once diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Easton was able to reduce her symptoms by adapting her diet and reducing stress levels. “I’m learning to manage my condition, and I’m much better now. But it can still be quite unpredictable.”

So what makes IBS such a debilitating condition?The CauseDoctors still don’t know the exact cause of IBS, but it is thought to be due to a flaw in the communication between the brain and the intestines; thus the bowel becomes oversensitive and reacts to changes in diet, emotions and hormones, causing an irregular muscle contraction in the colon and bowel dysfunction.

The SymptomsIBS patients often have abdominal
discomfort, ranging from mild cramps to sharp pain. IBS is usually constipation predominant or diarrhea predominant, but some people alternate between the two. Other symptoms include heartburn, nausea, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying or the sudden urge to find a restroom. Often, non-gastrointestinal conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, accompany the condition.

The TreatmentWith constipation-predominant IBS, your doctor may advise increasing fiber intake or taking a laxative. Alternatively, if you have diarrhea-predominant IBS, you may be offered a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline or desipramine, which are antidiarrheal and help relieve abdominal pain. Recent studies on medications that act on serotonin receptors (serotonin helps regulate bowel function) have been found effective in treating IBS, but concerns about side effects mean further research is required before they are available in the United States.

Remember, talk to your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for you.

The Good NewsIBS may improve with menopause. Many women report that IBS symptoms worsen during menstruation, suggesting a hormonal influence on the condition. A study done at the University of North Carolina found that the drop in hormones after menopause resulted in reduced abdominal pain and bloating, and a better quality of life than younger women with IBS.

Symptom Manager Keep a diary of everything you eat and drink for one week, observe your body’s reactions and adjust your intake accordingly. These tips from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders may also help:

• Cut out coffee. Excess caffeine can loosen stools, so if you have IBS you may be extra-sensitive.
  
• Watch the veggies. Beans, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower produce gas, and eating too much may worsen symptoms.
  
• Reduce your fat intake. Fats increase the sensitivity of the gut, which can exacerbate pain.
  
• Get moving. Moderate exercise, such as swimming or walking, helps regulate your bowels.
  
• Keep your cool. Stress may make IBS symptoms worse, so practice relaxation techniques when you feel the tension rising.
  
• Take control. Personal pain management techniques can help you cope with abdominal discomfort.
  
  Find out more about IBS by visiting
  www.aboutibs.org