Abdominal & Urinary Conditions
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that mostly affects the bowel (the large intestine) and is not caused by any other bowel disease. It can be painful, does not damage the colon or lead to other health problems.
Signs & Symptoms
* Gas, bloating, pain, or discomfort in the abdomen.
* Chronic diarrhea, constipation (or both).
* Mucus in the stool.
Causes
The cause is not known. A person with IBS has an extra sensitive colon. Muscles in the intestines go into spasm, causing symptoms.
Treatment
Changes in eating habits, stress relief, and medications treat IBS.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Avoid secondhand smoke.
* Maintain a healthy diet. Lose weight if you are overweight.
* Avoid constipation. Don’t strain to pass stool.
* Exercise to keep abdominal muscles strong. Follow your doctor’s advice.
* When you do sit ups, keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
* Follow proper lifting techniques.
* Wear a weight lifting belt to support the back when lifting.
* Wear a truss. This is a device that holds a hernia in place.
* For mild pain, take an over-the-counter medicine for pain. If even mild pain lasts longer than a week, see your doctor.
Resources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine