IBS
Chronic digestive condition
IBS is the abbreviation for irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic digestive disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.
Unlike inflammatory bowel diseases, IBS doesn't damage the intestines but can significantly affect quality of life: Her IBS flares up when she's stressed.
The condition is common but often undiagnosed.
Involuntary muscle tightening
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- diarrheaFrequent liquid bowel movements
- constipationDifficult, infrequent waste elimination
- gasFormless, expanding substance
abdominal pain · distension · flatulence · nausea · urgency · spasms · discomfort · fullness
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- dietCustomary food consumption
- antispasmodicsDrugs relieving involuntary muscle contractions
- peppermint oilConcentrated mint plant extract
laxatives · antidiarrheals · elimination diet · food diary · hydration · exercise · cognitive behavioral therapy · hypnotherapy
Body's microbial community
- motilitySelf-generated movement capacity
- floraPlants of a region
- intestineDigestive tract organ
- colonLarge intestine section
bowel · permeability · serotonin · bacteria · fermentation · peristalsis · small intestine · large intestine
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- depressionProlonged low state
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- isolationComplete separation from others
support group · stigma · social anxiety · relationship strain · mental health · hypervigilance · catastrophizing · emotional triggers
Pressure, mental or vocal
- glutenCereal grain protein
- lactoseDisaccharide in dairy
- dairyMilk-based foods collectively
- caffeineMethylxanthine stimulant compound
alcohol · artificial sweeteners · beans · onions · garlic · wheat · fructose · sorbitol
Sudden recurrence of symptoms
- remissionTemporary disease absence
- relapsingReturning to worse state
- long-termLasting extended period
- lifelongLasting entire existence
management · unpredictable · episodic · persistent · ongoing · quality of life · daily life · coping
Symptoms without detectable cause
- colonoscopyLarge intestine examination
- gastroenterologistDigestive organ physician
- differential diagnosisSystematic comparison of possible conditions
- blood testsAnalyses of drawn samples
cramps
Involuntary muscle tightening
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- diarrheaFrequent liquid bowel movements
- constipationDifficult, infrequent waste elimination
gas · abdominal pain · distension · flatulence · nausea · urgency · spasms · discomfort · fullness · belching
probiotics
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- dietCustomary food consumption
- antispasmodicsDrugs relieving involuntary muscle contractions
peppermint oil · laxatives · antidiarrheals · elimination diet · food diary · hydration · exercise · cognitive behavioral therapy · hypnotherapy · stress management
microbiome
Body's microbial community
colon · bowel · permeability · serotonin · bacteria · fermentation · peristalsis · small intestine · large intestine · leaky gut
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- depressionProlonged low state
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
isolation · support group · stigma · social anxiety · relationship strain · mental health · hypervigilance · catastrophizing · emotional triggers
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
caffeine · alcohol · artificial sweeteners · beans · onions · garlic · wheat · fructose · sorbitol · carbonated drinks
flare-up
Sudden recurrence of symptoms
lifelong · management · unpredictable · episodic · persistent · ongoing · quality of life · daily life · coping · invisible illness
functional disorder
Symptoms without detectable cause
- colonoscopyLarge intestine examination
- gastroenterologistDigestive organ physician
- differential diagnosisSystematic comparison of possible conditions
- SyndromesDown syndrome, Stockholm syndrome, metabolic syndrome, Tourette syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome
- Belly Problemsstomach ache, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, bloating, gas
- digestive issuesindigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas
- health problemsdisease, cancer, diabetes, illness, heart disease
- Chronic Ailmentsarthritis, asthma, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis
- chronic illnesschronic pain, exhaustion, chronic fatigue, fatigue, malaise
Chronic intestinal tract condition
Crohn's disease · ulcerative colitis · celiac disease · colon cancer · diverticulitis