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Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome Overview Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of unknown cause. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome has been called spastic colon, functional bowel disease, and mucous colitis. However, IBS is not a true “colitis.” The term colitis refers to a separate condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious, inherited, or cancerous. However, IBS often disrupts daily living activities. Nineteen percent of respondents in a survey of married or cohabiting people with IBS stated that they had difficulties in their personal relationships, and 45% stated that IBS interfered with their sex life. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is currently unknown. IBS is thought to result from interplay of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract movements, increased awareness of normal bodily functions, and a change in the nervous system communication between the brain and the GI tract. Abnormal movements of the colon, whether too fast or too slow, are seen in some, but not all, people who have IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome has also developed after episodes of gastroenteritis. It has been suggested that IBS is caused by dietary allergies or food sensitivities, but this has never been proven. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may worsen during periods of stress but these factors are unlikely to be the cause that leads to development of IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Irritable bowel syndrome affects each person differently. The hallmark of IBS is abdominal discomfort or pain. The following symptoms are also common: Abdominal cramping and pain that are relieved after bowel movements Alternating periods of diarrhoea and constipation Change in the stool frequency or consistency Gassiness (flatulence) Passing mucus from the rectum Bloating Abdominal distension The following are not symptoms or characteristics of IBS: Blood in stools or urine Vomiting (rare, though may occasionally accompany nausea) Pain or diarrhoea that interrupts sleep Weight loss Medical Treatment Most people with irritable bowel syndrome have problems only occasionally. A few may experience long-lasting problems and require prescription medications. A common treatment for IBS is the addition of fibre to the diet. This theoretically expands the inside of the digestive tract, reducing the chance it will spasm as it transmits and digests food. Fibre also promotes regular bowel movements, which helps reduce constipation. Fibre should be added gradually, because it may initially worsen bloating and gassiness. Stress may cause IBS “flares.” Doctors may offer specific advice on reducing stress. Regularly eating balanced meals and exercising may help reduce stress and problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Smoking may worsen symptoms of IBS, which gives smokers another good reason to quit. Since many patients with irritable bowel syndrome report food intolerances, a food diary may help identify foods that seem to make IBS worse. When to Seek Medical Care Irritable bowel syndrome affects each person differently. If a person has any of the symptoms, he or she should contact a doctor for further advice. If a person has signs and symptoms of IBS, or if a person with IBS has unusual symptoms, a doctor should be consulted. Go to a hospital emergency department if problems are severe and/or come on suddenly. Symptoms inconsistent with IBS include fever, bloody stools or urine, vomiting, black or tarry stools, pain or diarrhoea severe enough to interrupt sleep, and weight loss. These symptoms require the attention of a doctor. Self-Care at Home Many people have already modified their diets before seeing a doctor. Temporarily avoiding dairy products may help assess whether symptoms of lactose intolerance are mimicking those of irritable bowel syndrome. Persons who avoid dairy products should exercise and consider taking calcium supplements. Certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts) and beans may worsen bloating and gassiness. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Drinks such as diluted fruit juices, soft drinks containing sugar, sports drinks and water can be used to prevent dehydration. Caffeine and lactose containing dairy products should be temporarily avoided since they can aggravate IBS. If there is no nausea and vomiting, solid foods should be continued. Foods that usually are well tolerated include rice, cereal, bananas, potatoes, and lactose free products. If the IBS is made worse by stress or anxiety then relaxation treatments are often helpful. Sometimes diarrhoea can become persistent in people who are anxious, fearful and tense can suffer from worsened IBS. The essential oils of Chamomile Roman, Lavender and Neroli can be very helpful and both massaging the abdomen and also bathing in these oils can provide relaxation which in turn can relieve the tension and help to calm. Antispasmodic essential oils are Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Neroli and Peppermint and again massage of the abdomen and bathing will benefit the sufferer. Eucalyptus essential oil is recommended if a viral infection is the cause and Chamomile Roman would be the choice if a food allergy was the cause. In certain cases warming oils such as Benzoin essential oil, Black Pepper essential oil, Fennel essential oil and Ginger essential oil can be massaged gently into the abdomen. |
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