Women in Motion
Susan Blatt, MD
Irritable bowel syndrome, or irritable colitis, is a condition that causes episodes of abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. There are some other causes of stomach ache that need immediate attention, so persons with these symptoms should see their own doctor. Many times intermittent stomach aches really mean that a woman is depressed, anxious, or worrying over some stress from the past.
Reflux is a treatable condition, common in those who are overweight. After a meal, stomach contents are pushed up into the esophagus and stomach acid irritates the esophagus causing burning pain. Treatment includes losing weight, avoiding lying down after eating and medication to cause the stomach to make less acid.
All of the cancers of the gastrointestinal tract can cause stomach ache, but that is often not the first symptom. Usually cancer of the esophagus causes trouble swallowing and cancer of the colon causes blood in the stool. In these cases, or with any new symptom of discomfort, the doctor should rule out cancer.
Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are two causes of abdominal pain and cramping that should also be ruled out. There are tests for these problems and then they are treated by altering the diet.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition with periods of constipation and periods of diarrhea. It is often a lifelong problem and seems to be related to stress. It consists of abdominal pain and cramping. The pain is often relieved by passing loose stools and gas. There is no weight loss or bleeding. It affects 10% to 20% of Americans, particularly women, and can interfere with everyday activities, travel, and work. Many people have had intermittent episodes, reaching back into their childhood.
There is no treatment for irritable bowel syndrome that will bring about a cure. Many people benefit from adding fiber to their diets. It may be good to experiment with the different non-prescription fiber-containing products. Since the syndrome appears to be stress-related, anything to relieve or prevent stress will be helpful. Medications usually used to treat constipation or diarrhea seem to have little or no effect.