Irritable Bowel Syndrome Index
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized by abdominal pain,
bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhea
and constipation, symptoms that tend to be chronic and to wax and wane over the
years. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to control symptoms. Also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, nervous colon syndrome.
Patient Discussions - Viewers share their comments
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Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week....learn more »
In This Article
Constipation Article
- Constipation facts
- What is constipation?
- What causes constipation?
- Medications that cause constipation
- Other causes of constipation
- How is constipation evaluated (diagnosed)?
- What treatments are available for constipation?
- What is the approach to the evaluation and treatment of constipation?
- When should I seek medical care for chronic constipation?
- What's new in the treatment of constipation?
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, formerly
known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and
tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »
In This Article
Fibromyalgia Article
- Fibromyalgia facts
- What is fibromyalgia?
- What causes fibromyalgia?
- Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
- What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
- How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
- Are exercise, stress reduction, or changes in diet helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia?
- What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
- Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
- What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
- Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
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Intestinal Gas
Gas or "intestinal gas" means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching or farting...learn more »
In This Article
Intestinal Gas Article
- What causes belching?
- What causes bloating?
- What causes flatulence?
- What are the causes of intermittent abdominal bloating/distention?
- How is belching, bloating/distention, and flatulence evaluated?
- How is excessive intestinal gas treated?
- Intestinal Gas At A Glance
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal...learn more »
In This Article
Diarrhea Article
- Diarrhea facts
- What is diarrhea?
- How is diarrhea defined?
- Why does diarrhea develop?
- What are common causes of acute diarrhea?
- What are common causes of chronic diarrhea?
- What are the complications of diarrhea?
- When should the doctor be called for diarrhea?
- What tests are useful in the evaluation of diarrhea?
- How can dehydration be prevented and treated?
- What is the treatment for diarrhea?
- When should antibiotics be used for diarrhea?
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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
In This Article
Abdominal Pain Article
- What is abdominal pain?
- What causes abdominal pain?
- How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
- Characteristics of the abdominal pain
- Physical examination
- Exams and tests
- Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
- Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
- How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
- Abdominal Pain At A Glance
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Lactose Intolerance
In lactose intolerance, the digestive system cannot digest lactose (the main sugar in milk). Symptoms of lactose intolerance...learn more »
In This Article
Lactose Intolerance Article
- What is lactose intolerance?
- What causes lactose intolerance?
- What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
- How are lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance diagnosed?
- Elimination diet
- Milk challenge
- Breath test
- Blood glucose test
- Stool acidity test
- Intestinal biopsy
- What are the sources of lactose in the diet?
- How is lactose intolerance treated?
- Dietary changes
- Lactase enzyme
- Adaptation
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- What are the long-term consequences of lactose intolerance?
- What is new in lactose intolerance?
- Lactose Intolerance At A Glance
- Related lactose intolerance article:
Lactose Intolerance - on eMedicineHealth
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