Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
|
|
|
If you have a Natural Standard subscription, login to view the full monograph below:
Related Terms:
|
Borborygmi, bowel, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP), colitis, colonoscope, colonoscopy, computerized tomography (CT), Crohn's disease, defecation, diarrhea, digestion, digestive, fibromyalgia, fiber, food allergy, gastrointestinal, hydrogen breath test, infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), laxative, lactose, Rome II criteria, scleroderma, stool, sigmoidoscope, sigmoidoscopy, stress, stricture, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). |
 | |
|
|
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. |
|
|
IBS is a functional bowel disorder, conditions in which the bowel appears normal but does not function normally. IBS is fairly common and makes up 20 - 50% of visits to gastroenterologists (doctors who diagnose and treat digestive problems). |
|
|
Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea) and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. |
|
|
The colon, which is about 5 feet long, connects the small intestine to the rectum and anus. The major function of the colon is to absorb water, nutrients, and salts from the partially digested food that enters from the small intestine. Colon motility (the contraction of the colon muscles and the movement of its contents) is controlled by nerves, hormones, and the colon muscles. These contractions move the contents inside the colon toward the rectum. During this passage, water and nutrients are absorbed into the body, and what is left over is stool. A few times each day contractions push the stool down the colon, resulting in a bowel movement. However, if the muscles of the colon, sphincters, and pelvis do not contract in the right way (as in IBS), the contents inside the colon do not move correctly, resulting in abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, a sense of incomplete stool movement, or diarrhea. |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
| |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
 |
Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
|
|
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
|
|