IBS Summary
- IBS is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine, especially in individuals 45 years or younger.
- Symptoms include diarrhea and constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
- Less than half of those with IBS seek medical help; thus creating awareness for it is important to get support and relief.
- Diagnosis for IBS relies on eliminating other diseases and conditions; doctors may advice diet changes (e.g. adding fiber/removing gluten), exercising regularly, taking probiotics, reducing stress/caffeine intake, or taking medications.
- If you suspect you have IBS, contact your doctor for medical help.
Full Text
Laughter is the best medicine, unless you have diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions of Americans.
IBS is a long-term or chronic condition that upsets the large intestine and people 45 years or younger. People with IBS experience symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, bloating, and gas, or maybe abdominal pain.
It’s believed that less than half the people who suffer from this condition seek out medical help. It is why creating awareness for irritable bowel syndrome is important for those that can get the support and relief that they need.
There is no test that can diagnose whether you have IBS. It’s why it’s so important to speak to your doctor or a gastroenterologist to help you eliminate other diseases and conditions and find the help that you need to relieve the symptoms.
Some of the things that your doctor might recommend is a change in diet, like adding more fiber into your diet or removing certain foods from your diet like gluten or high gas foods that might be triggering some of the worst symptoms of IBS. Surprisingly exercising regularly is highly recommended for those suffering from IBS.
Other lifestyle changes include taking a good probiotic and minimizing stress and cutting back on caffeine. There are also medications that help treat the symptoms of IBS as well.
If you believe you are suffering from IBS, please consider calling your doctor to get the help you need at living a healthier life.
I’m Dr. David Long. That was the long story short.
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