Causes of Irritable Bowel
After the digestion and absorption of nutrients by the small intestine, the waste matter is
propelled into the large intestine for eventual elimination. Under normal circumstances, regular
muscular contractions (intestinal motility) move this waste matter along the five-foot length
of the colon and into the rectum for comfortable evacuation. However, when irritable bowel
syndrome is present, the pattern of motility becomes disordered because of excessive muscular
contractions, resulting in cramping and diarrhea.
There is no clear explanation for this intestinal overactivity, although a number of factors
such as emotional stress, diet and an allergic response to particular foods all have been
implicated. Heavy cigarette smoking also seems to aggravate the problem.
Treatment of Irritable Bowel
While psychological factors may play some role in this condition, there is no doubt that the
patient is suffering from distresing physical manifestations that may themselves produce anxiety.
It is important to understand that the condition, although distressing, is not medically serious.
In many instances, consuming a diet that contains adequate fiber, or roughage, will help. Proper
functioning of the lower intestine requires a minimal amount of bulk composed of the various kinds
of fruit and vegetable fibers that go through the upper intestine virtually intact because they are
not digested by humans. This fiber retains water and makes the stool bulky and soft, thus aiding
in intestinal motility. Fiber can easily be added to the diet in the form of salads, raw or lightly
processed fruits and vegetables and whole-grain cereals and breads.
For patients who do not respond to dietary and other life-style changes, such as reduced stress,
drugs may be prescribed. These may include an anticholinergic agent to reduce the intestinal activity,
a mild tranquilizer or a sedative.
