Nervous colon syndrome

Nervous Colon Syndrome also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Nervous Colon Syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble other diseases. The most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation
• Mucus in the stool

Causes

The exact cause of Nervous Colon Syndrome is not known. However, it is believed to be the result of a combination of physical and mental health problems, including:

• Gastrointestinal motor problems
• Increased sensitivity in the intestines
• Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Bacterial infections in the digestive tract
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Food sensitivities, which may be due to poor absorption of sugars or acids in food

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Nervous Colon Syndrome is typically based on the presence of certain symptoms, known as the Rome IV criteria. These criteria include recurrent abdominal pain, on average, at least one day per week in the last three months, associated with two or more of the following:

• Related to defecation
• Associated with a change in frequency of stool
• Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool

Treatment

Treatment for Nervous Colon Syndrome is focused on relieving symptoms so that individuals can live as normally as possible. This may include changes in diet, medication, and stress management. In some cases, psychotherapy or counseling may be beneficial.

See also

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive system
• Mental health

This mental health related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.