Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where there are the symptoms of bowel disease in the absence of an underlying structural cause. The periods of alternating constipation and diarrhoea associated with abdominal pain, distension, bloating and wind are caused by disordered contraction of the intestinal muscles. The condition is worsened by stress and anxiety. It commonly makes its first appearance in late adolescence, and is distinguished from inflammatory bowel disease by the absence of pus and blood in the stool, and inflammation in the bowel wall. Dietary modification will help, as will the reassurance that there is no abnormal underlying pathology. In patients whose main problem is constipation then increasing the fibre in the diet may be effective, while in those whose main problem is abdominal distension, pain and bloating increasing the fibre may worsen the problem, and a low fibre diet will help. Some patients find that some foods make their symptoms worse, and experience may lead to improvement in symptoms. Exclusion diets to ascertain any food sensitivities are sometimes helpful.
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