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Dealing with 'nervous' bowels
By Dr. Dmitry Levenson
The Webster Times
August 6, 2010 — Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as “spastic colon,” affects as many as 20 percent of people living in the United States and is a frequent cause of patient visits to the doctor.
This condition usually begins at a young age and is more commonly diagnosed in women. The most common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and change in bowel habits (either diarrhea or constipation). The abdominal pain usually consists of cramps and is frequently accompanied by bloating, belching, nausea and a sensation of being full after even a small meal.
Certain types of food and emotional stress tend to worsen these symptoms. For those with IBS, diarrhea frequently occurs right after a meal and may be accompanied by a sensation of extreme urgency. Constipation is another symptom that may be associated with IBS and may last from days to months.
While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, potential factors in the development of this disease may include overly active movement of the colon (peristalsis), which increases sensitivity of the affected patients, and previous gastrointestinal infections. It is important to stress the fact that, although at times very uncomfortable, IBS has a benign prognosis and never leads to any longterm problems. Treatment of IBS is directed towards relieving the symptoms — there are several effective medications used to lessen the spasms leading to abdominal pain and bloating, and sometimes modification of the diet helps as well. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that necessary tests are done to exclude other more serious conditions causing the problem.
Dr. Dmitry Levenson is a primary care physician and site chief of the Webster Fallon Clinic.
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