Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by unpleasant conditions such as stomach pain, cramping, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Some sufferers may feel that there is simply nothing they can do to alleviate these symptoms. However, a healthy combination of diet, medicine and relief from stress can help to control IBS symptoms and allow sufferers to enjoy life again.

The main symtoms of IBS are pain or discomfort in the abdominal area, and chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Other symptoms may include a bloated abdomen, whitish mucus in the stool, or a feeling that you haven’t finished a bowel movement.

Normal digestion occurs when the muscles in the intestines contract to move food and waste through the body. Irritable bowel syndrome is usually caused by those muscles contracting harder and longer than in a normal person without the syndrome. Doctors usually diagnose a person with irritable bowel syndrome after several tests have ruled out more serious problems.

If you eat large meals or certain types of food this too may be a cause. Some medications that people take cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome and alcohol and beverages with caffeine. The hormonal changes in women during their period are another cause. Some researchers have found that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Your Doctor may suspect that you have IBS due to your symtoms. There are specific symptoms that a doctor will look for which is called the “Rome Criteria”. Your doctor may order other medical tests to be sure that you don’t have another health problem that causes the same symptoms. To diagnose IBS you may be asked to take some blood tests and a physical exam. Some other tests that may be included are a Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Series, which x-rays your abdomen to see any problems in the Large Intestine. Another test is a Colonoscopy, which is when the doctor inserts a tiny camera into your colon to take pictures to see if there are any problems there.

Some IBS sufferers have turned to Bavolex ” a natural remedy IBS relief, and found herbal relief.

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