I have been suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrom) since I was a teenager. I am now 42 years old. As time has passed the condition has steadily progressed from a minor annoyance to what is now at times a nearly incapacitating illness. It is far more common than most people think. Most sufferers don't like to talk about the illness due to it's rather unpleasant symptoms. Not exactly "table talk".
So, what is IBS?
IBS is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by alterations in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, typically over months or years. A diagnosis of IBS has been reported by 10 to 20% of adults in the United States, and symptoms of IBS are responsible for over 3 million yearly visits to physicians. Research suggests that IBS is one of the most common functional GI disorders. IBS exhibits a predominance in women, with females representing over 70% of IBS sufferers.
The diagnostic criteria of Irritable Bowel Syndrome always presumes the absence of a structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be diagnosed based on at least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two out of three features:
1. Relieved with defecation; and/or
2. Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or
3. Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool.
Symptoms that Cumulatively Support the Diagnosis of IBS:
* Abnormal stool frequency (may be defined as greater than 3 bowel movements per day and less than 3 bowel movements per week);
* Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool);
* Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation);
* Passage of mucus;
* Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.
As I said, not exactly 'table talk'.
There are basically two types of IBS. The constipation IBS-C and the diarrhea IBS-D types. As there doesn't seem to be a structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms, doctors are pretty much at a loss as how to treat it effectively. Thos of us with IBS have our own definition of what IBS stands for. It's basically the doc's way of saying "It Baffles the Shit out of me".
Gastric hyperactivity is the major problem for those of us with IBS-D. Injested foods and drinks move so quick;ly through the digestive tract that little nutrition is absorbed. One big problem is the inability of the GI tract to process water which causes a dehydration problem for the patient and lends to the diarrhea problem. This hyperactivity also causes extreme GI tract spasms which can be extremely painful.
When symptoms flare up really bad, the abdomen can become bloated and distended to the point of severe discomfort and an appearance of being pregnant or for men a 'pot belly'. This can last for hours or even days.
I am a sufferer of IBS-D and my symptoms have been on-going now for 10 years or so. At first, they would only flare up every now and then, but now are constant with some days being better than others. Doctors do know, as does anyone who has IBS that stress and certain foods are strong triggers.
Dairy foods are a serious trigger in most IBS patients, myself included. While soluble fiber is actually an aid with symptoms, insoluble fiber is a real problem for us. A person with IBS is often seen as a"picky eater" because there are just so many foods that can trigger an attack. Any food that is hard to digest such as corn or peas, lettuce, etc. is a problem. Also 'gassy' foods like beans and cabbage are a major source of problems as are spicy foods. For many, including myself, fat and grease are a very fast trigger.
When we do eat these 'bad' foods, the attack can come on within minutes, often with very painful results. For those of us with IBS-D it always means a very fast exit to a restroom as the severe gastrointestinal spasms trigger diarrhea almost immediately. Imagine yourself having severe diarrhea every day of your life for over 10 years.
As of now, drug treatment has been a miserable failure for the vast majority of IBS patients. A very limited diet helps to a certain extent and there are even cookbooks now for IBS patients in an attempt to provide us a variety of recipes using 'safe' foods. This can be somewhat difficult due to the fact that what may be a trigger for one patient has no effect on another.
While the symptoms of IBS can be treated to a certain extent there is no cure. Researchers are working to find the root cause of this common illness and a subsequent cure. Most research now is focusing on the nervous system as this seems to at the root of the problem. Perhaps one day there will be relief for the millions of IBS patients in America alone.
In the meantime, there are things that you can do to help. Odds are you either know someone with IBS or come into contact with us.
1. If a friend declines to eat certain foods, don't pressure them. There may be a good reason.
2. If you work in a restaurant, store, or other public facility and a persona asks to use the restroom. By all means, please let them. They may well be in extreme pain and a crisis situation. You have no idea just how bad (and sudden) these attacks can be.
3. If you do know someone with IBS, be supportive and understanding. Believe me, it helps a lot.
4. If someone with IBS lives with you or visits you regularly keep the bathroom accessible. Some of those moist wipes in the bathroom are a God-send as irritation and even bleeding are common.
5. Don't accuse the person of having a 'fixation' on their bowels. (I have actually heard this one). It's a very real medical condition.
6. Above all, just treat them as you would anybody else. It isn't contagious.
If you want to learn more about IBS there are many websites with extensive information, including several online IBS support groups.
If you feel that the symptoms match what you are going through, consult your physician and get screened.