Health Information: Irritable Bowel

In This Section:

A normal bowel movement is considered “formed” (but not hard), contains no blood and is passed without cramps or pain. Eating causes contractions of the bowel; this may cause an urge for bowel movement in 30-60 minutes.

If you have irritable bowel, intestinal wall contractions are stronger and last longer (spasm), forcing food to move more quickly; causing gas, bloating or diarrhea with the urge for bowel movement within 30 minutes of eating. The spasms may also delay movement, causing constipation.

What are the symptoms?

Abdominal pain and cramping
A bloated feeling and gas (flatulence)
Diarrhea or constipation, often alternating bouts of constipation or diarrhea
Feeling that the bowel movement is incomplete or unfinished
Mucus in the stool
Nausea
Indigestion

Symptoms vary but are chronic and recurrent. You may have one or more symptoms at any time. They may range from mild to severe, becoming worse with stress (good or bad), changes in daily routines, poor nutrition or after large meals. For women, symptoms may also increase during part of the menstrual cycle.

What causes it?

The exact cause is unknown, but the primary abnormality is an abnormal interaction between the brain, the autonomic nervous system and the gut, resulting as problems with the regulation of bowel functions. Emotional stress may stimulate colon activity and hormones seem to play a role as well.

Does it cause other diseases?

It does not cause inflammation, changes in bowel tissue or increase risk of colorectal cancer. And it is unrelated to several other disorders of the digestive system, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

How is it diagnosed?

Irritable Bowel is usually diagnosed after doctors exclude the presence of disease. They may conduct tests on your stool samples, do X-rays or perform endoscopy (use a flexible tube to view the inside of the gastrointestinal tract), in addition to reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. The diagnosis is based on symptoms.

What can I do to live with irritable bowel syndrome?

Focus on behaviors you can change like physical activity, diet and stress management. Use a diary to keep track of your body response to food, activity and stress. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, you may need more help than lifestyle changes alone can offer.

Maintain a healthy diet. Try eating at the same time every day to help regulate bowel function. Fiber may improve symptoms, whether you have diarrhea or constipation. Drink 8 glasses of water each day. Avoid the foods that make symptoms worse. Decrease or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
Exercise. Regular exercise can decrease your feelings of stress and may stimulate rhythmic contractions of your intestines. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Try to relieve your stress. Make time to relax. Prioritize your daily tasks; stop when you reach your limit. Use a therapist to help identify lifestyle changes that may benefit you.
Ask your doctor about medicines that decrease spasms, decrease nerve sensitivity, treat diarrhea, relieve pain and manage constipation.
Consider complementary or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, meditation or hypnosis.