Treating Abdominal Pain from Irritable Bowel Syndrome
David July 9th, 2006
Pain is common, but you can do something about it.
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to an August 2002 survey of 350 people with IBS by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, more than a third (39%) describe their pain as “extreme” or “very severe.” In fact, pain is a serious quality of life issue, causing many patients with IBS to miss work, school, and social events. How can people with IBS better manage their abdominal pain?
Why Pain Happens
The abdominal pain experienced by people with IBS may be a result of intestinal contractions. The muscles in the colon contract to move stool along and out of the body.In a person with IBS, these muscles may be contracting irregularly and intermittently along the length of the colon. This may cause symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Pain is most common after a meal and may last for several hours. Continue Reading »