Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term, highly common gastrointestinal condition whose manifestations include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. It is often a life-long condition but can be managed with the proper medical care. Typically, symptoms change over time, but IBS doesn’t pose much of a physical threat aside from the accompanying discomfort when the condition flares up. Although the exact cause of IBS still hasn’t been determined, most health experts believe muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract play a huge role in IBS flare-ups.
Some people confuse IBS with an upset stomach. However, while an upset stomach may seem to be a manifestation of IBS, an upset stomach is centered more on upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. Meanwhile, IBS manifests in lower abdominal pain and severe bowel movement changes, often from diarrhea to constipation and back. Muscle contractions that bring the onset of IBS are brought about by stress, genetics, food allergies, anxiety, and other mental conditions and imbalance in the gastrointestinal fauna. Meanwhile, an upset stomach may be caused by overeating, side effects of certain medications, smoking, and too much caffeine or alcohol.
Here are some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Abdominal pain and cramping termed visceral or peritoneal pain, refer to the pain and discomfort specific to the belly region. Children and adults can experience peritoneal pain, usually lasting from 24 to 48 hours. However, if the pain doesn’t subside in a week, a more serious underlying medical condition might need intervention.
An individual with IBS experiences cramping because their colon contracts more, and this action leads to abdominal pain. Furthermore, those with IBS may have lower pain tolerance, exacerbating pain’s psychological impact. Excess bacteria can be present in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to the symptoms. Bacteria release substances that can cause the stomach to react and signal the brain to stimulate pain receptors.
Abdominal pain can subside within a few hours, but if the condition persists longer than a few days, it can signify a more serious medical condition. Patients must refrain from using ibuprofen or aspirin unless the abdominal pain is due to menstrual period.
