The main cause of IBS What is irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome* (IBS) is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool. IBS is not a disease. It’s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work, or function, correctly. The patients get abdominal pain suddenly after eating, the pain may be accompanied by abdominal swelling, this swelling can cause severe pain. In our own studies at Nanotech we have found the swelling is only present in external abdominal muscles and completely relived by external abdominal trigger point injection. Not temporary this injection results in a long term improvement. The bouts of alternate diarrhea and constipation will respond to medication described in our e-book "the flame within". Knowledge is power.   What causes IBS? CDPUSA in collaboration with Nanotech  has studied a group of patients  and we think IBS is caused by stress triggered inflammatory disorder. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain. We have seen IBS in patients with Fibromyalgia. What are the symptoms of IBS? The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both Other symptoms are whitish mucus in the stool a swollen or bloated abdomen the feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods. How is IBS Diagnosed The doctor may suspect that you have IBS because of your symptoms. Specific symptoms, called the Rome criteria, can be used to more accurately make this diagnosis. Medical tests may also be done to make sure you don’t have any other health problems that cause the same symptoms. Medical Tests for IBS In addition to a physical exam and blood tests, the following tests might be done to diagnose IBS: Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. This test uses x rays to diagnose problems in the large intestine. It is also called a barium enema x ray. Before you have the x ray, the doctor will put barium into your large intestine through the anus—the opening where stool leaves the body. Barium is a thick liquid that makes your intestines show up better on the x ray. Colonoscopy. For this test the doctor inserts a long, thin tube, called a colonoscope, into your anus and up into your colon. The tube has a light and tiny lens on the end. The doctor can view the inside of your colon on a big television screen. In some cases, a shorter tube, called a flexible sigmoidoscope, is used to look at just the lower portion of the colon. How is IBS treated? IBS can be cured through anti-inflammatory treatment targeted at the bowel, we provide these inflammatory protocol upon request. Treatment is through FDA approved medical drugs, but you can do things to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve diet changes medicine stress relief You may have to try a few things to see what works best for you. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment plan. Our own treatment plan involves eating the diet specified in the diet page. This is followed by medicines mentioned in our e-book. The diet should consist of small helpings. You can request a complete diet guideline from CIDPUSA or treatment plans for a cost of $12.   Diet Changes Some foods and drinks make IBS worse. Foods and drinks that may cause or worsen symptoms include fatty foods, like french fries milk products, like cheese or ice cream chocolate alcohol caffeinated drinks, like coffee and some sodas carbonated drinks, like soda These foods may make IBS worse. To find out which foods are a problem, keep a diary that tracks what you eat during the day what symptoms you have when symptoms occur what foods always make you feel sick Some foods make IBS better. Fiber may reduce the constipation associated with IBS because it makes stool soft and easier to pass. However, some people with IBS who have more sensitive nerves may feel a bit more abdominal discomfort after adding more fiber to their diet. Fiber is found in foods such as breads, cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Examples of foods with fiber include Fruits Vegetables Breads, cereals, and beans apples peaches broccoli (raw) cabbage carrots (raw) peas kidney beans lima beans whole-grain bread whole-grain cereal Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them. Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in a person with IBS. Your doctor may ask you to add more fiber to your diet by taking a fiber pill or drinking water mixed with a special high-fiber powder. Eat small meals. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea in people with IBS. If this happens to you, try eating four or five small meals a day instead of less-frequent big meals.   Medicine The doctor may give you medicine to help with symptoms. Laxatives treat constipation. Many kinds of laxatives are available. Your doctor can help you find the laxative that is right for you. Antispasmodics control spasms in the colon and help ease abdominal pain. Antidepressants, even in lower doses than are used for treating depression, can help people with IBS. They can help reduce the abdominal discomfort or pain associated with IBS and, depending on the type chosen, may help the diarrhea or constipation.