Irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome; obsolete: Irritable colon, colic mucosa, colonic neurosis, nervous bowel, spastic colon, unstable colon) is the most common cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. It affects about half of all patients with digestive problems. In this condition, which is caused by many factors, constipation alternates with diarrhea, pain and a feeling of pressure in the abdominal region, and flatulence and bloating are the main symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome: causes
No organic basis can be proven for the chronic intestinal disorder. It is a so-called functional complaint. However, the absence of detectable defects or malformations does not alter the need for treatment measures. Psychological stress factors such as anxiety or stress very often play a significant role in the manifestation of the disease.
Constitutional conditions can form the basis for suffering. Thus, those people are particularly affected who consciously or unconsciously project daily tensions and stresses onto the digestive organs. Nevertheless, one must not be misled by the erroneous assumption that intestinal problems are exclusively psychological in nature. Current research findings show that the intestinal muscles of affected individuals react to stimuli more strongly than normal. These stimuli can be triggered by hard stools, air in the intestines, but also chocolate, dairy products, alcohol or medication.
An increase in irritable bowel symptoms in women during menstruation also suggests a hormonal component. In addition, a reduced tolerance of certain foods may also be a contributing cause of the symptoms.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
This very common condition (affecting up to 20 percent of the population) affects women twice as often as men. Characteristic of IBS is a change in the frequency of bowel movements and varying stool consistency (constipation alternating with diarrhea). This is accompanied by stabbing, cramping and burning pain in the lower abdomen and below the ribcage combined with a constant feeling of pressure.
In some patients, the stomach also makes itself felt negatively through a feeling of fullness and pain below the breastbone. After defecation, there is often relief of the symptoms. Increased air accumulation often occurs in the lower part of the colon, which is noticeable in the form of bloating, flatulence and loud bowel sounds. The stool may possibly have a “sheep feces” appearance; small amounts of mucus are also observed.
Blood in the stool and weight loss are definitely not compatible with irritable bowel syndrome! In this case, an organic cause must be sought.
