Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is also known as spastic colon. The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are: abdominal pain or cramping, a bloated feeling, gas or flatulence, diarrhea or constipation; people with IBS may also experience alternating bouts of constipation, diarrhea, and mucus in the stool. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. When you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions are stronger and last longer than normal. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly; however, sometimes the opposite occurs, the contractions are less strong, food passage slows, and stools become hard and dry.