What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder affecting the large intestine. Patient with IBS has signs and symbols including abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping or bloating accompanied by changed bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation or both, or having different kind of stool (thin, hard, or soft and liquid).
Known to be a chronic condition, the symptoms for the disorder occur over a long term to be managed. Dietary modifications and change in lifestyle can help reduce or eliminate IBS symptoms. However, severe symptoms take time to manage and can be reduced/eliminated through medications or counselling.
Studies suggest that during IBS, the large intestine (colon) gets hypersensitive reacting to mild stimulation. Instead of slow and rhythmic muscle movements, the bowel muscles spasm causing diarrhoea or constipation.
Diarrhea (often described as violent episodes of diarrhea)
Constipation
Constipation alternating with diarrhea
Belly pains or cramps, usually in the lower half of the belly, that get worse after meals and feel better after a bowel movement
A lot of gas or bloating
Harder or looser stools than normal (pellets or flat ribbon stools)
The exact cause is unknown. It’s been linked to things like:
- Food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly
- Oversensitive nerves in your gut
- Stress
- Family history of IBS
Radigel Orange
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