Irritable Bowel Syndrome - How To Identify It?

IBS has a wide spectrum of disorders which is characterised by intermittent bouts of diarrhoea and constipation. Acetylcholine, as well as serotonin, stimulates peristalsis (rhythmic contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestine) that is responsible for these alternating episodes of bowel movement.

Studies suggest that taking laxative on a regular basis is not good for the intestinal health. The colon tends to lose its natural capacity to contract and relax to facilitate bowel movement. It is important for a person to visit a doctor if he has constipation frequently.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease that causes a number of problems like bloating of the abdomen with pain and cramping, flatulence, alternating instances of constipation and diarrhoea. It is a condition that needs long term management and in rare cases becomes severe.

Studies have seen that the female hormone oestrogen is responsible for making the gut more sensitive. This results in a higher rate of expression of the symptoms of IBS. The changing levels of this hormone also make women more prone to such symptoms during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, mostly right before the periods start or during ovulation.