Add Up Articles Directory | Free Articals | New Articles Daily | What You Need to Know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is it?

Irritable bowel disease is a collection of symptoms that collectively are referred to as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. These symptoms vary from person to person, however the most common symptoms are bloating, cramping, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. This disorder affects the colon, particularly the large bowel. It is important to note that IBS is referred to as a functional disorder (it effects how the bowel operates), as opposed to a disease.

Causes

Doctors are not sure what exactly causes IBS in otherwise healthy individuals. Studies have shown however, that the use of Accutane has a correlation with this disease. When an individual suffers from the symptoms of the disease, the contractions of the bowel cause the cramping and diarrhea. When the bowel stretches, nerve endings are affected this can cause the abdominal pain and discomfort associated with this disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely from person to person, however it usually involves chronic cramping and diarrhea, constipation or both, and bloating.

Diagnosis

The doctor may suspect IBD after he learns of your symptoms. There are a specific set of symptoms used to diagnose this disease called Rome Criteria, which are used to make a diagnosis. Your doctor may want to conduct medical tests as well. A lower GI, or barium enema x-ray may be done, and/ or a colonoscopy.

Treatment

There is no cure for this disorder, except in extreme cases where the bowel has been surgically removed. Most patients use a combination of diet modification, stress reduction and medication to control their symptoms.

Accutane and IBD

If you have taken the drug Accutane, you may be at an increased risk for this disorder. This drug has been linked with IBD, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. While this drug has been removed from the market due to multiple lawsuits against the manufacturer, La Roche, IBD suffers continue to come forward and report their symptoms.

One of the most common and debilitating side effects that users experience is inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. This disease is causes painful swelling of the intestinal tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are often thought to be different types of IBD. Common symptoms can include:

•Cramps;
•Diarrhea;
•Bowel Blockages;
•Bloody Stools;
•Loss of Bodily Fluids;
•Loss of Appetite;
•Weight Loss;
•Anemia.

This disease can be extremely debilitating. There are wide range of symptoms that one can encounter with IBD, which can also include arthritis, and inflammation of the eye and skin. It is also considered to be a major risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Once a person contracts IBD, they experience flare-ups that arise unpredictably. This causes a great deal of stress and worry in the part of the individual, leaving them in a constant state of worry when the next flare-up will strike. While symptoms can be treated with various medications, there is no cure for this disease.

To date, more than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against La-Roche, and many have been extremely successful in state and federal court. La-Roche lost its first 6 lawsuits brought against them, with verdicts that have totaled an upwards of $56 million dollars.