Understand Ulcerative Colitis
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has incorrectly been called by many names, including colitis. But the two shouldn't be confused. Ulcerative colitis is one of the forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD (Crohn's disease being another), and is not the same as IBS.5
When a person is diagnosed with IBS, treatment involves education, reassurance, and appropriate medications, as needed. In addition, the person is given instructions on how to modify his or her diet. High fiber diets are accepted in treating people with constipation associated with IBS. Conversely, some people with ulcerative colitis follow a low-fiber diet. Doctors may prescribe medication for diarrhea, pain, or anxiety. One aspect of therapy involves learning ways to cope with stress – advice that everyone should take once in a while.
IBS is a common, usually manageable condition. If you think that you have experienced some symptoms of IBS, write down your concerns and talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to address any questions you may have. And remember, when people assume ulcerative colitis is the same thing as IBS, you now have the information to help them understand these disorders.
The above information was adapted from an article written by Dr. Douglas A. Drossman, a professor of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and co-director of the UNC Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The true causes of both IBD and IBS are unknown. IBS, sometimes known as spastic colon, is a disorder characterized by dysfunction of motility and sensation in the bowel. In other words, the bowel may not move material through at its normal rate, and the nerves are more sensitive to factors (e.g., stress, dietary change, and activity) that may stimulate the bowel. IBS symptoms often appear or may worsen during periods of stress. Not everyone with IBS will be able to associate their symptoms with a stressful event, though. In some people, IBS symptoms are associated with alcohol, caffeine beverages, fatty foods, strong spices, raw fruits and vegetables, and even just a large meal.Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Typically, people with IBS will have cramping abdominal pain along with gradual changes in their bowel pattern, often alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Furthermore, no significant abnormalities are seen upon examination of the colon. But those with ulcerative colitis have inflammation in the colon lining that can be seen by a doctor when the colon is examined, and this inflammation may lead to symptoms of diarrhea, but not usually constipation, and not always with abdominal pain. Another way that ulcerative colitis can be distinguished from IBS is that people with ulcerative colitis may have rectal bleeding, a symptom missing from IBS.Other IBS Symptoms
- Stool is often hard and is passed in small pellets with straining, or can be very loose and passed with a sense of urgency.
- Evacuation often feels incomplete.
- A hard stool followed by one or more loose stools per day or a series of hurried soft bowel movements following breakfast is common.
- Abdominal pain is usually on the lower left side of the abdomen but it can be present in any area. Passing gas or visiting the bathroom may temporarily relieve this cramp-like discomfort.
- Mucus may be present in the stool.
- Discomfort may be more generalized such as upper abdominal pain. The abdominal discomfort or pain may begin soon after a meal.
- There may be a sensation of bloating or even visible swelling of the abdomen.
Typical Symptoms Used by Physicians to Diagnose IBS:
- Abdominal pain is relieved by a bowel movement.
- Abdominal pain is associated with a change in the frequency of bowel movements.
- Abdominal pain is associated with a change in the consistency of the stool.
Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The diagnosis of IBS is made on the basis of symptoms and by ruling out other disorders through a thorough health history, physical examination, and some laboratory tests. An endoscopy or an X ray may be performed. Some patients with ulcerative colitis may also have IBS. They may be told their ulcerative colitis is in remission yet they may still experience abdominal pain and diarrhea without intervals of constipation. Their health practitioner may then begin treatment for IBS in addition to maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis.When a person is diagnosed with IBS, treatment involves education, reassurance, and appropriate medications, as needed. In addition, the person is given instructions on how to modify his or her diet. High fiber diets are accepted in treating people with constipation associated with IBS. Conversely, some people with ulcerative colitis follow a low-fiber diet. Doctors may prescribe medication for diarrhea, pain, or anxiety. One aspect of therapy involves learning ways to cope with stress – advice that everyone should take once in a while.
IBS is a common, usually manageable condition. If you think that you have experienced some symptoms of IBS, write down your concerns and talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to address any questions you may have. And remember, when people assume ulcerative colitis is the same thing as IBS, you now have the information to help them understand these disorders.
The above information was adapted from an article written by Dr. Douglas A. Drossman, a professor of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and co-director of the UNC Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders.
