Irritable Bowel

In this article, we wanted to answer some questions about what IBS is and what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different.  With this information, people will be able to identify the problem easier and sooner so they can get the medical support needed to get started.

First, while Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the three primary problems people face with the gastrointestinal system medical researchers actually believe the intestine is not actually the issue.  Instead, what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different from other stomach disorders is that it actually has more to do with the individual having a very sensitive colon.  When the colon is irritated, it begins to spasms, which results in bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and pain.

Another thing that makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different from gastrointestinal disorders is that some foods and medications that might not bother one would cause discomfort and pain with IBS.  Many people will see a medical specialist only to be misdiagnosed with Colitis or spastic colon.  As a result, the patient does not get proper treatment and the problem never goes away.

When it comes to “what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome” different is that it can be confusing.  While some medical conditions are straightforward and relatively easy todiagnosis, this particular condition could easily be lumped into another problem and missed altogether.  This confusion only leads to the individual living with a miserable condition that with proper treatment could be managed effectively.

The following are some of the dynamics of what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different so if you find you are having any or all of the symptoms you can discuss them with your doctor and explain your concerns regarding IBS.

• IBS does not cause any type of inflammation
• IBS is a standalone disorder, meaning it will never lead to other complications
• The primary symptoms of IBS include bloating, pain and cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation, and excessive gas
• IBS does not affect the gastrointestinal system but actually, the bowel or colon

When compared to other like health problems, what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome is associated with the various factors and symptoms associated.  For instance, other problems with the gastrointestinal system, as well as bowel and colon that can be mistaken for IBS include:

• Dyspepsia – What makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different from Dyspepsia is the symptoms.  For instance, this particular health problem affects the chest and upper portion of the abdomen.  The common symptoms include gas, a sense of being full, and even a burning sensation.  Dyspepsia is most commonly caused by cancer of the stomach, and ulcer, or inflammation
• Crohn’s Disease – This is another problem that can be diagnosed instead of IBS.  With Crohn’s Disease, the gastrointestinal tract is affected, causing intestinal spasms, cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, appetite loss, and even sores.  What makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different from Crohn’s in addition to symptoms is that with Crohn’s, there could be further and more complicated health problems develop.
• Ulcerative Colitis – IBS is often misdiagnosed as Ulcerative Colitis, which is a disease that actually affects the large intestine only.  In this case, a person would have camping, fever, and blood in diarrhea caused by ulcers or inflammation associated with the large intestine.

The bottom line is that what makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome different from other health problems involving the gastrointestinal system, bowel, and color goes back to the symptoms, the cause, and the potential for further health risks.  Again, because IBS can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, it is imperative that you be insistent in having your doctor run the appropriate tests to rule in or rule out IBS so you can get the treatment needed.

The positive light about Irritable Bowel Syndrome is that with so many people now dealing with this disorder, more and more research has been done.  As a result, the options for effective treatment have also improved, giving people many more possibilities for getting better.  Better yet is that the treatments being offered specific to IBS today does work, giving people better control over their lives.

Symptoms

If your child is always complaining of a belly-ache, a headache, and has runny poop or can’t go at all, your child may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Run through your child’s medical history, and see if he or she had any of the following disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome in children shows up in a variety of ways as they grow and develop.

• Infantile colic

• Gastroesophageal reflux

• Chronic non-specific diarrhea

• Constipation

There is no single test that can confirm or deny the presence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in your child, because it is not a structural or biochemical disorder. It is usually diagnosed primarily through the absence of other explanations. Before it can be effectively diagnosed, doctors and gastroenterologists rule out all other possible bowel problems. So if you think your child may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, see your doctor to be certain of the cause of their symptoms.

Though in severe cases, medication may be prescribed, Irritable Bowel Syndrome in children is primarily treated through managing their lifestyle.

Certain foods can trigger symptoms of IBS. Generally, it is a good idea to prepare foods for your child that are free of spices, caffeine, meals heavy in fat content, raw fruits and vegetables (and all forms of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). Create an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet for your entire family, to make it easier on the child. Encourage snacking and small meals to avoid over stimulating his or her bowel.

Ask your doctor about fiber supplementation. Whether your child suffers from diarrhea or constipation will determine how much fiber you should add (or subtract) in their diet. If your child has diarrhea, a diet low in fiber is best. If he or she has constipation, high fiber eating can ease symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully because high fiber supplementation can actually produce gas and bloating.

Because the colon is connected to the nervous system, stress can trigger symptoms. Stress can over stimulate the brain and the nerves in your bowel, creating painful bowel activity.

Keeping children with IBS calm is also important. An environment designed to minimize stress can treat Irritable Bowel symptoms.

Everyone has stressors in their lives, but if you can manage your child’s life to minimize them, their comfort and overall quality of life can improve. IBS children can be active, but should not overexert themselves. Insert times into their day when they can relax, unwind, and calm down. Make this time of relaxation as important as eating.

You also may want to learn skills you can teach your child for stress-management. Getting all worked up about something will not only cause emotional pain, it can also become physical.  As they learn to manage their emotions, your child’s Irritable Bowel symptoms can ease up. Plus, they will have coping skills that can carry through the rest of their lives.

Help your child answer the question, what is irritable bowel ? Because it can be the cause of accidents and embarrassment, it is a good idea to consult a child psychologist for ways to help your child accept the syndrome.

At the same time, your dog may be straining to go as you stand in your parka freezing and waiting. And when he or she does go, if the stool is hard and comes in surprisingly small quantities for all the work it took, your dog may be constipated.

These are both symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in dogs. Other symptoms include abdominal cramping, gas, and bloating.

Generally, an inflamed bowel is a short-lived problem. It may be caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, slight case of colitis, or something the dog ate, and may be resolved on its own or with antibiotics.

On the other hand, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition in which the nerves of the large intestine are overly sensitive to stimulus. It is largely believed that there is a glitch in communication between the muscles of the large intestine/colon and the brain, which causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. This oversensitivity may cause ordinary events, such as the passage of food, to trigger bowel pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can occur in all breeds and both sexes. Because the autonomic nervous system is connected to bowel movement, stress may be a factor. It has been observed that more working, performance, and all-round high-strung dogs have irritable bowel.

If you think your dog has Irritable Bowel Syndrome, see your veterinarian. Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more of an art than a science. There is no single test that can confirm or deny its presence. But before it can be effectively diagnosed, make sure that your veterinarian has ruled out all other possible bowel problems. It is important to rule out other physical, structural, or infectious bowel diseases such as inflammatory dowel disease, bowel cancer, bowel infection or other bowel disorders.

Changing your dog’s diet is the first step to managing IBS. Their food should be highly digestible – no more little treats or scraps off the table. Ask your vet for recommendations of special foods. Fiber may help, but it is important to consult your vet on how to administer it. It can be added as a supplement, or recommended as a special high-fiber dog food.

If diet isn’t enough, or your dog’s case is severe, your vet may recommend over the counter remedies or give you a prescription. Antispasmodic medications can suppress muscle contraction in the stomach and intestine, in effect controlling spasms. There are antidiarrheal drugs that can bind the stool.

The most important aspect of treating your dog – watch them. See how they respond to diet changes and medications. IBS is a highly individualized disorder, and everyone – whether human or canine – responds differently to stimulus.

While irritable bowel is chronic, it is not life-threatening. But you will be living with it as long as you own your dog. Diet can ease symptoms dramatically, but flare-upshappen. You can expect that, and your dog probably feels as bad about the accidentsas you do!

Stress will exacerbate their symptoms, so offer your dog a relaxing environment, where they can live in relative calm.

Most important – give your dog the love he or she deserves!