What is I.B.S.?--
I.B.S. is a syndrome characterized by abdominal pain & altered bowel habits, including diarrhoea,constipation or alternating diarrhea & constipation. These complaints may be intermittent/continuous.

Symptoms suggestive of I.B.S.--
Abdominal pain/discomfort that is-

• Relieved with defecation.
• Associated with a change in frequency of stools(>3 bowel movements daily or <3 movements weekly).
• Associated with a change in consistency of stools(lumpy/hard or watery/loose).
• Altered stool passage (Straining/urgency/feeling of incomplete evacuation).
• Passage of mucus.
• Bloating/feeling of abdominal distension.

Symptoms incompatible with I.B.S.-- 
Blood in stools Weight loss. Fever Pain/diarrhea awakening the patient from sleep.

What causes I.B.S.?-- 
I.B.S. is caused by altered colonic motility. The exact cause of this altered colonic motility is not fully understood.
What causes exacerbations of I.B.S.-- 
In many patients stress is responsible for the exacerbation of I.B.S.

Treatment of I.B.S.--
1.Avoid-- Dairy products. Excessive coffee. Gas forming foods such as legumes. 2.Consume more fibrous food--eg. wheat bran
3.Drugs--Antispasmodic/antidiarrhoeals/antidepressants/prokinetic drugs are used.
4.Avoid stress as it may cause exacerbation of I.B.S.

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