Unfortunately, there is no real cure. Before become overly concerned, you should realize that Irritable bowel syndrome will not kill you. IBS can be very troubling to those who have it, but 60% of the people who do never seek medical care. In the United States, anywhere from 25 to 55 million people suffer from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is ranked number two for causing missed days at work.

The symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. The symptoms of IBS can range from very mild to almost disabling. The symptoms can also change over time. One of the most confusing aspects of IBS is that the same treatment might work differently on different people. Or, what worked for you once may not work again.

Irritable bowel syndrome is more likely in women than men. Female IBS sufferers outnumber males by a factor of two to one. The symptoms of veritable bowel syndrome most often make themselves known in late adolescence or early adulthood. Research studies suggest that the symptoms of IBS affects about 20% of all people.

Exactly what are the symptoms of IBS? The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain that occurs about 60 to 90 minutes after eating a meal. Abdominal pains are usually sharp like cramps. IBS sufferers also experience excess gas and bloating.

Changes in bowel movements or bowel habits often accompany the onset of irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases, these changes usually mean alternating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Both the constipation and diarrhea are usually accompanied by pain. Individuals with IBS often report that they feel like they're bowel movements or incomplete, that there: has not been emptied. Passing mucus along with your stools is another symptom of IBS.

What causes your IBS? Essentially, those who study the disease had determined that IBS sufferers have: muscles that are more sensitive and react more strongly. IBS is related to problems with the way the muscles react and behave. There is no difference or defect in the structure of the intestine. It's not known exactly why IBS occurs in some individuals and not in others. Half of all women with irritable bowel syndrome report that their symptoms increase during their period. This suggests that IBS may be related to reproductive hormones. Other studies have concluded that IBS could be triggered by a lack of hormones. Some medical researchers suspected genetic link because IBS does tend to run in families.

There is no specific medical test to determine the presence of irritable bowel syndrome. It will most likely be diagnosed by your doctor on the basis of the symptoms that you report. since the symptoms of IBS could also be indicators of other conditions, your doctor may suggest tests to rule out inflammatory diseases. Anyone over 50 should also be screened for colon cancer.

IBS can often be made worse by high levels of stress and tension. Those who are suffering from IBS should become well acquainted with techniques for relaxation and stress reduction. Fatigue can also contribute to an increase in IBS symptoms. If you struggle with irritable bowel syndrome, it's important for you to get plenty of rest.

There is no one standard treatment for IBS. There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, so most treatment will be focused on relieving the symptoms. Although IBS will most likely be a lifelong, chronic condition, there are treatments that reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Since IBS is often associated with a feeling of incomplete emptying, those who suffer from the symptoms might want to consider: cleansing. A safe and effective natural colon cleanse would provide a much cleaner and lighter feeling. Because IBS sufferers also must deal with your regular bowel habits, colon cleansing would be a good way to deal with constipation. Laxatives are specifically not recommended for those with IBS because regular usage can weaken intestinal muscles.