Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One is a benign disorder, the other a chronic and potentially debilitating disease. The former involves the digestive system, while the latter affects the brain and spinal cord. As different as they may appear to be, irritable bowel syndrome and multiple sclerosis are not entirely independent of each other. They may impact different parts of the body, but studies suggest they have very much something to do with each other.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and potentially debilitating disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. This disease arises when the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins, resulting to inflammation as well as injury to the sheath.

This is a fairly common disease, affecting an estimated 300,000 people in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs usually surface when patients are around 20-40 years old. Sometimes, however, multiple sclerosis can strike a person at any age, making it crucial for everyone to pay attention to the symptoms even if one does not belong to this age group.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome also affects a lot of people. Commonly referred to as spastic colon and functional bowel disease, its "attacks" are associated with the following symptoms: cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

So far, medical doctors have not been able to identify the real causes of this condition. The good news is, there are many modes of treatments available for people afflicted with this disorder. One can follow low fat and high-fiber diet; exercise; and drinks lots of liquid. Refraining from drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

The Connection

On the surface, these conditions may not be related to each other, however close inspection reveals otherwise. Studies show that people with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis as well as other autoimmune disorders. They are also more vulnerable to asthma, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, psoriasis, bronchitis, and other conditions.

Thus, when you experience any of the symptoms associated with irritable bowel disorder or multiple sclerosis, it is highly recommended that you see a physician immediately. By doing so, you can avoid all these health complications. Your doctor will give you a sound advise on how you can avoid getting afflicted with other diseases, besides giving you medicines to address your existing condition.

Cheapest Generic

About the Author:

Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on
irritable bowel syndrome treatments and a description of irritable bowel syndrome.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/multiple-sclerosis-and-irritable-bowel-syndrome-604777.html