YOUR HEALTH
LIVING WITH IBS
It takes guts to deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
By Glenda Sanders Contributing Writer
Living with irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes be challenging for those who suffer from the disorder . Finishing a project at work , traveling with the family or going out to dinner with friends can be upended on a moment ’ s notice if severe symptoms persist that day .
Irritable bowel syndrome , also referred to as IBS , is a digestive disorder that affects the large intestine , said Dr . Stephen Chow , a gastroenterologist with Rush Hospital . Symptoms can include cramping , abdominal pain , excessive gas , bloating , diarrhea or constipation , especially after eating .
“ IBS is the most common functional GI disorder ,” said Chow . “ About 14 percent of the population suffers from it .”
The disorder can affect anyone from children to senior adults , he noted .
However , it is more likely to be found in teenagers through 40-year-olds . About twice as many women than men have the condition .
IBS affects each individual differently . What one person experiences , another person may not , Chow said . For example , one person may experience severe abdominal pain and gas a couple of times a week , while another may have loose bowel movements quickly after consuming food each day . Another person may live with daily constipation .
While an exact cause of IBS is still not known , there are several theories , Chow noted .
Muscle contractions in the intestines may play a role , as well as abnormalities in the nerves in the digestive system , exposure to stress and anxiety and changes in microbes that reside in the intestines , according to the Mayo Clinic website , mayoclinic . org . Another type of IBS , post infection IBS , can develop after a
“ IBS is the most common functional GI disorder . About 14 percent of the population suffers from it .”
Gastroenterologist Dr . Stephen Chow
severe viral or bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract , caused by food poisoning or stomach flu , Chow said . Many people who suffer from this type of IBS usually show improvement in a matter of months .
IBS generally does not lead to a more serious disease , but it is a life-long condition that a person will have to manage , he noted .
Most people who have IBS can control their symptoms by managing their diet , the stress in their lives and their lifestyle habits , he said . Only a small percentage of people with IBS have severe symptoms that need to be treated with medication .
Chow said some evidence has shown that a low FODMAP diet may help in managing IBS by avoiding foods that can trigger the symptoms and cause intestinal distress . FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols – all short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the body . High FODMAP foods include milk , bread , beans , lentils , apples and ice cream . Low FODMAP foods include almond milk , nuts , rice , beef , chicken , strawberries , blueberries , and potatoes .
Researchers have discovered that the small intestine does not absorb FODMAPs very well and these types of carbohydrates increase the amount of fluid in the bowel and create more gas . This can lead to more bloating , abdominal pain , diarrhea and , in some cases , constipation . Eating less of these types of carbohydrates should decrease the symptoms of IBS .
A lot of people who suffer from IBS are embarrassed by the condition and find it taboo to talk about , Chow said . He tries to encourage his patients to open up about any digestive problems they may be experiencing so he can rule out more serious intestinal conditions .
Learning what may trigger a person ’ s IBS symptoms so they can learn how to manage them will go a long way to improving their daily lives .
“ It is not normal to feel abdominal pain after you eat ,” Chow said . “ We can help you figure out what is causing your discomfort and work to treat it and manage it .” www . meridianstar . com
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