How to deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS effects millions of people and can be a daily burden. Some don't even know that they have irritable bowel syndrome and just suffer. There are ways to deal with it and live a great life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder not a disease. It means that there are symptoms present that may mean that your bowel isn't functioning properly. It can be a real hassle unless you make some life changes but you can definitely live with IBS!!

2. 

   The most important step is to see a doctor if you are experiencing any discomfort or any of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, bloated sensation in your abdomen, chronic diarrhea or constipation or both, mucus in stool, or the sensation that you still have to move your bowels even after you have already gone.

3. 

   With IBS, a bowel's nerves and muscles are much more sensitive than the average person's. When you eat your bowel will contract more rapidly. Your doctor may do tests and ask questions to determine if your symptoms are in fact IBS.

4. 

   Your doctor may ask you to have a colonoscopy. Many people get nervous to have a colonoscopy done but don't be if this is you! You are completely asleep and when you wake up the procedure feels like it must have taken only seconds to do and there is no pain afterwards. It is well worth the information you'll receive and technology is getting better and better as to how a colonoscopy is performed. Just be open minded!!

5. 

   If it is determined that you have irritable bowel syndrome your doctor will speak to you about dietary changes that you can make to relieve the symptoms. There are certain foods that you should avoid if you have IBS. There are also lots of food choices to eat, particular fruits and vegetables, that help make the symptoms better too! In addition, taking fiber supplements can help.

6. 

   There are also medicines that can help relieve the symptoms of IBS that your doctor may prescribe.

7. 

   Lastly, your doctor may also speak to you about ways to reduce stress which also triggers irritable bowel.

8. 

   Understanding IBS and knowing that it is treatable is a great relief to people. Without understanding irritable bowel syndrome people live their daily lives in pain and misery. It effects your routine and your mood! Talk to a doctor if you or someone you know may be suffering from IBS. It could change their life!

[paulsbabygirl]

on 6/30/2009 More fiber! Thanks for the tips, I was just diagnosed and I have upped my diet at my GI's request to 25 mg's of fiber a day. Its helping, a little. There are some good fiber supplement foods too so its not that bad.

[mommyhen42]

on 6/10/2009 great tips, I have it as a result of Fibromyalgia and now hubby is experiencing it due to his diabetes. Definatly a cause and effect kind of disease.

[slphilbrick]

on 3/30/2009 Being informed is a great help in coping with symptoms of IBS.....talking to your doctor can provide you with much needed info. Stress relief can help immensely as well !

[greatnews]

on 3/14/2009 Good stuff on IBS! Apparently, there is a huge mental component, but I guess that's where a lot of the stress comes in! Thanks! 5 *'s

[ReuseItAll]

on 1/8/2009 KellyAlmighty, respectfully, just because it does not work for you does not mean this information is inaccurate. I've been an IBS sufferer for years and have a GI doctor who HAS told me these tips and they DO work.