People feel the consequences of stress and anxiety in some ways "ibs".

One common symptom is stomachaches. Anxiety can worsen symptoms of abdominal cramps and pain and cause you to literally feel sick to your stomach. 

But when is it quite just an upset stomach? Millions suffer from gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome. 

Irritable bowel syndrome

Also called IBS, this disorder is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Read on to find out more about IBS and its connection to worry and anxiety. 

Approximately one in five adults within the us has IBS. Women are more likely to experience symptoms, which usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. 

There is no known specific cause, but some experts suggest people that suffer from IBS have a colon that's more sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. (The disorder is additionally referred to as irritable bowel syndrome .) Although IBS are often painful and uncomfortable, it's not permanently damaging to the intestines, nor does it cause other gastrointestinal diseases. 

People with IBS frequently suffer from anxiety and depression, which may worsen symptoms. That’s because the colon is partially controlled by the systema nervosum , which responds to worry . Evidence also suggests that the system , also responding to worry , plays a task . IBS also can cause you to feel more anxious and depressed. 

Treatment

While there's no cure for IBS, treatments can manage the symptoms and discomfort. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse estimates that up to 70 percent of individuals with IBS aren't receiving treatment. 

Of those who do seek treatment, research has found that fifty to 90 percent have a psychiatric disorder like an mental disorder or depression. 

Your doctor may recommend one or a mixture of the subsequent treatments: 

Fiber supplements or laxatives to decrease constipation.

Antispasmodic medication to regulate muscle spasms within the colon and reduce abdominal pain.

Antidepressants to assist minimize symptoms of hysteria and depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy to find out the way to deal with anxiety and depression. British Society of Gastroenterology recommends psychological therapy because the first-line treatment for IBS when the patient features a history of hysteria , panic attacks, or depression. The American College of Gastroenterology also recommends therapy and says it can reduce both anxiety and IBS symptoms in some patients. 

Find a therapist near you.

Relaxation techniques to scale back stress.

Diet changes. For some, which will mean avoiding dairy products or carbonated beverages, which may aggravate symptoms. For others, which will mean increasing dietary fiber, which may relieve constipation, or eating smaller meals more often rather than two or three large meals, which may cause cramping.

Alosetrin hydrochloride (brand name is Lotronex) specifically treats IBS and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ladies . This medication is suggested only over-the-counter medication and therapy aren't effective, and when the first symptom is diarrhea. Side effects are often serious and include decreased blood flow to the colon and severe constipation. Lubiprostone (brand name is Amitiza) is additionally approved by the FDA but just for adult women with IBS and constipation. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There are not any FDA-approved medications for men for the treatment of IBS.