Irritable Bowel Syndrome By: Rocco Paolino

Definition A combination of intermittent abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea.

Cause Abnormal contractions of muscles in the intestinal walls Develops after gastrointestinal infection Stress, anxiety or depression are often part of (IBS) Peristalsis becomes irregular and uncoordinated disrupting normal digestive process Over eating or binge eating, known to aggravate (IBS) Too much fat in diet Eating too quickly, eating irregularly, smoking

Cause Muscles in colon don’t work may spasm Colon more sensitive to food and medication Food allergies, bacteria

Symptoms Abdominal bloating and excessive quantities of gas Abdominal pain, often on lower left side, relieved by defecation or passing gas Diarrhea may be most severe on waking and may alternate with inconsistent constipation that may produce rabbit pellet stools Feeling that bowel is not completely empty Mucus passing during defection Nausea and Vomiting Often full and not finishing meals

Symptoms Loose stools Diarrhea Constipation Alternating diarrhea and constipation Urge to move bowels again immediately following a bowel movement Mucus in the stool

May Worsen Symptoms Menstrual periods Large meals or fatty foods Excess gas

Diet Dairy Onions, Cabbage Large amounts of alcohol or caffeine Fruits and vegetables Whole grains, high fibre foods Smaller meals Eat slowly, don’t swallow air Drink water- helps reduce constipation

Stress Management Relaxation Biofeedback Counselling

Education Learn about (IBS) Join support group

Body Systems Effected Digestive System

Transmission Not Contagious Possibly some genetic factors Cannot be spread

Diagnosis The number of tests No single test that can diagnose disorder Emotional or physiological problems Sigmoidoscopy Barium Enema

Prevention Enough fibre in diet Stop smoking, avoid excessive amounts of caffeine Yoga, relaxation techniques Regular excersise Imagery tape to listen to at home A round of golf or tennis or a half hours worth of swimming laps Healthy outlets for stress

Treatment Change diet and relaxation techniques Antispasmodic drugs to relax contractions of digestive tract, help relieve abdominal pain

Outcome People recover with treatment No long term effects If no treatment you will have sever pain and sickness

People At Risk year old men or women Females twice as common People with stress in their lives Certain foods make symptoms worse

Other As many as 2 in 10 people have symptoms of (IBS)