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| Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a term used to describe a discomfort of the bowel (the colon, or large intestine). It is known as a 'functional disorder', which is a collection of symptoms that do not have an identifiable cause. The four main symptoms of IBS are: abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
The pain of IBS can fluctuate in intensity and can be extremely painful as nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra-sensitive. However, it does not damage the bowel or cause any diseases.
It has been estimated that between one in three and one in five of the UK population suffer from IBS at some point in their life. The condition can affect people in very different ways. Some sufferers may have occasional mild symptoms, whereas others will experience uncomfortable symptoms for long periods. However, the condition can be very changeable and it is often the case that people will experience a combination of mild and more severe symptoms, with flare-ups from time to time. This unpredictable nature of the condition can be very disturbing and cause a lot of disruption to a sufferer's professional and personal life. |
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| There are a number of practical ways sufferers can minimise their symptoms and help to keep attacks under control. This section offers an overview of symptoms, causes, and management options. |
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| IBS: the symptoms |
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| Criteria for diagnosing IBS |
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| Options for treating the symptoms of IBS |
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