Your physician will most likely use the Rome III set of criteria to distinguish IBS from other intestinal problems.
Following a meeting in Rome (Italy), an international group of experts on gastrointestinal (GI) disorders reached consensus and published the following definition for typical symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome):
At least 3 months duration with continuous or recurrent symptoms of:
1. Abdominal pain or discomfort, i.e:
- Relieved with defecation
- Associated with a change in frequency of stool
- Associated with a change of consistency of stool
2. Two or more of the following, at least on one-fourth of occasions or days:
- Altered stool frequency
- Altered stool form (e.g. watery / loose stools or hard stools)
- Altered stool passage (sensation of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements, straining, or urging)
- Passage of mucus
- Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension
Additional symptoms might be present if you are suffering from IBS. Symptoms to look out for include urinary urgency, nausea, fatigue, feeling full after eating only small amounts of food, or pain during sexual intercourse.
Points to Remember
- IBS means your bowel doesn’t work the correct way.
- IBS can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
- In most cases IBS doesn’t damage the bowel or lead to other health problems.
- The doctor will diagnose IBS based on your symptoms. You may need to have medical tests to rule out other health problems.
- Stress doesn’t cause IBS, but it can make your symptoms worse.
- Fatty foods, milk products, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine and carbonated drinks can trigger symptoms.
- Eating foods with fiber and eating small meals throughout the day may reduce symptoms.
- Abnormal bowel bacteria may play an important role in IBS
- Treatment for IBS may include medicine, stress relief, exercise and changes in eating habits.
One thing that most people with IBS don’t do is… talk about it! It is crucial that if you feel you are suffering from IBS, you need to find someone (a friend, family doctor, or someone who will listen). You’ll find that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing.
Please, don’t live in silent pain. Without communication you won’t be able to receive a proper diagnosis. Acknowledge your symptoms and take action to feel better, TODAY!
A new book titled Natural Cures for IBS, published by Green Health Press (GHP), discusses the symptoms and diagnosis of IBS in much more detail. You'll find up-to-date reviews of the latest non-pharmaceutical strategies and approaches to diagnosing and treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
GHP sells an electronic version of the book for $39.95. I asked the publisher if I could offer my blog visitors a special discount. GHP agreed but couldn't decide how much they were willing discount the retail price.
I suggested we could let folks download it for free, in return for signing up for the Green Health Press mailing list. Thankfully, they agreed, so here's a link to get your own FREE COPY of Natural Cures for IBS. I wouldn't wait; IBS relief really could be just a click away!
Here's to your good health!
- Editor
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi there,
Wow what a find your website is – I have applied for your offer of a free e-book and will read it avidly.
I have been going through absolute miseries these last few weeks, and have not known where to turn – eat the wrong thing then I am in pain and discomfort for hours. And it is easy to do this!! This attack has been going on since late November 09. Yes, I have been my to doctor and do take medication (not all she has precribed as I hate taking medication). I have lost 2 stone plus with sensible eating ( I need too I was far to over weight). Only now am I begining to surface – still have problems but feel I am \’winning\’ with sensible eating. Now I know or seriously believe that it is IBS – I think I feel a lot better. It is scary when you body is not behaving. I have always been healthy and hate the discomfort and pain that this has caused.
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