Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
How serious is irritable bowel syndrome? I've been told I have it and wonder could I get stomach cancer from it.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is what is known as a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms can vary but include recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort and alterations in bowel habit. IBS sufferers may also experience bloating, lethargy, nausea, cramping, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation. But to answer your question, IBS does not seem to cause inflammation or changes in the bowel tissue and has not been found to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
I've never met anyone with the condition so how common is it?
It has been estimated that 10-20 per cent of the population suffer from IBS and it is one of the most common bowel conditions throughout the western world.
It's twice as common in women than in men and typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood. Many people notice an improvement in symptoms as they get older. Sufferers find the symptoms embarrassing and few talk openly about it. This is probably the reason why you have heard so little about it, but be reassured you are not suffering alone.
The cause of IBS seems to be as a result of a malfunction of the muscular walls of the intestine which moves food through the gut. The stomach content is passed either too slowly or too quickly throughout the intestines causing symptoms.
Stress can be a trigger factor and there is also evidence that hormonal changes can also influence. Antibiotic use and acute bowel infections can also trigger IBS.
Medication can help with symptoms such as diarrhoea or constipation and bloating so if your symptoms are moderate to severe, talk to your doctor about what is available. Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and using relaxation techniques can also help symptom control.
I find certain foods trigger an attack. Should I change my diet?
Certain foods have been found to affect IBS sufferers. Chocolate, milk and alcohol can all bring on a bout of IBS as can foods containing artificial sweeteners. Other foods that may cause problems are those high in saturated fats - nuts, butter, cream, red meat, caffeinated drinks and fruit juices. Raw fruit and vegetables cause some people problems.
If you can identify the foods which aggravate the condition, then changing your diet should help control symptoms.
Marion Kerr