5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem also known as "spastic colon" or "irritable colon."
2. IBS symptoms include:
   • Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous dull pain)
   • Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or diarrhea
   • Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue
   • Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping, flatulence)
3. The cause of IBS is unknown:
   • No evidence of specific disease
   • May be triggered by psychological factors or ingestion of food
4. IBS is a condition that:
   • Is more common in women
   • Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and recurs from time to time
   • Rarely starts past age 55
5. Treatment of IBS includes:
   • Careful explanation of the syndrome, including what it is not
   • Better management of key triggers: stress and diet
   • Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas