Dear Dr. Garner,

I am very embarrassed by a medical problem I have. Every time I eat, I develop the most severe pains in my stomach area. Also, I either have the immediate urge to have a bowel movement or am totally constipated. I am 20 years old, and this problem hampers my work and my social life.

A friend of mine said it might be irritable bowel syndrome. Could you tell me a little about this condition?

Irritable Bowel in

Irritable Man in Flushing

 

Dear Irritable Bowel,

I am very sorry for your problem and would guess that many of our readers experience similar problems. Irritable bowel syndrome actually affects an estimated 60 million Americans, a majority of whom are women. What is troubling is that most people are too embarrassed to talk with their doctor about the issue.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the bowel, or large intestine. The bowel is the part of the digestive system that makes and stores stool.

The symptoms associated with the syndrome are cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. In spite of all these problems, the bowel itself looks entirely normal. It is just that it does not work well. There is some defect in communication between the brain and the bowel, and as a result, one experiences spasms and ineffective digestion.

While stress can aggravate the condition, emotional issues will not cause a person to develop IBS. Things that can trigger symptoms include certain foods, exercise and female hormones. In particular, foods that can cause symptoms include milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and fatty foods. In some cases, simply eating a large meal will trigger symptoms.

The doctor you should see is your family doctor or a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of digestion and the intestines.

You will have a physical exam, blood tests and X-rays and possibly a colonoscopy. If all of these are normal and your symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks a year, then the diagnosis of IBS will be made.

There is no magic cure for IBS, but some ways to lessen the symptoms include medication, dietary changes and stress relief through behavioral therapy or yoga.

I recommend keeping a diary of your food intake. Record any food-related digestive issues, and you’ll be able to determine your trigger foods.

What is the outlook and prognosis for someone with IBS? IBS does not lead to cancer or shorten life. However, it severely affects quality of life with many sufferers unable to leave the house. It is associated with pain, muscle aches, depression and fatigue.

The cause is unknown, but it seems there is a shortage of a chemical that affects the way the brain communicates with the bowels. It is the same chemical (serotonin) that is responsible for depression.

The key is to see your doctor to verify the diagnosis and rule out other serious diseases. If it is IBS, treatments can help you live a full life again.[hr] Dr. Steven Garner is a Fidelis Care provider who is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, Park Slope. He also hosts “Ask the Doctor” on The NET, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Channel 97 Time Warner and Channel 30 Cablevision