Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is defined as a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by predominantly diarrhea or constipation or alternating constipation and diarrhea, gas and bloating, cramping pains and occasional mucous in the stool but not blood. If there is blood in the stool a prompt evaluation by a gastroenterologist would be necessary. Intestinal infections and foods such as dairy, wheat and gluten grains, corn frequently show up in medical studies as precipitating factors as well as stress. There may also be genetic factors. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis or Celiac disease. There are no blood tests for IBS. It cannot be diagnosed by a colonoscopy. Is diagnosed by the history of symptoms. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome also may have symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. Since there is more than one cause, treatments need to be individualized.

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