5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem also known as "spastic colon" or "irritable colon."

2. IBS symptoms include:
* Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous dull pain)
* Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or diarrhea
* Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue
* Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping, flatulence)

3. The cause of IBS is unknown:
* No evidence of specific disease
* May be triggered by psychological factors or ingestion of food

4. IBS is a condition that:
* Is more common in women
* Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and recurs from time to time
* Rarely starts past age 55

5. Treatment of IBS includes:
* Careful explanation of the syndrome, including what it is not
* Better management of key triggers: stress and diet
* Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas
* Drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber products, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals)
* Occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication