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Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition of the gastrointestinal tract that arrives with abdominal pain and changes in the bowel movements
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While exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known, gastrointestinal motor abnormalities and hypersensitivity of the abdominal organs have been implicated.
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Emotional distress and stress can exacerbate this condition. The part of the brain responsible for attention processes shows higher activation in IBS.
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While normal flora or bacteria are a physiological part of the gut, excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to features of IBS.
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Infections by certain organisms like Salmonella and Shigella can be predisposing factors to irritable bowel syndrome, along with mucosal inflammation caused by dietary elements.
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Patients with IBS tend to worry a lot, and may have anxiety, tension, depression and even neurosis. Mindfulness techniques may help in dealing with stressors.
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While IBS can affect all age groups, those under forty five years are more likely to get affected. Also, women are more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome than men.
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The key symptom of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort. It is often in the lower abdomen and aggravated by poor sleeping patterns and intake of certain foods.
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Alteration in bowel movements is characterised by either chronic constipation or intermittent watery diarrhea, which may be sans abdominal pain.
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Patient counselling, reassurance and dietary modifications are necessary to prevent further discomfort. Products that may produce flatulence like beans, onions must be avoided.