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40 Isn’t Fatal, But It Can Be Painful For IBS Sufferers
One in five people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. Basically, this means you have an overly sensitive colon and may have ongoing issues with abdominal discomfort, stomach bloating, cramps, constipation and diarrhea.
The jury’s still out on what causes IBS, but the result is a colon that moves its contents too quickly, or too slowly, which in turn causes constipation, diarrhea and other digestive upset. It seems that certain foods and stress are the biggest culprits behind the condition, with lactose intolerance in particular playing a significant role.
There’s no set age for IBS to begin, but it usually starts with people in their 20s and 30s. For those in their 40s, it could indicate something more serious, such as diverticulitis or colon cancer.
If you’re noticing some of the symptoms, start keeping a food journal so you’ll be able to determine what might be the trigger. Also look at what’s going on in your life when things flare up, and jot that down as well. That way, when you see your physician he or she will have plenty of physical and psychological information about your symptoms.
Even more importantly, be sure to contact your doctor immediately if there’s blood in your stool, or if there are other symptoms such as dizziness and loss of sleep. This could be from the IBS, or it could be something more serious.