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Irritable bowel syndrome* (IBS) is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.

IBS is not a disease. It’s a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work, or function, correctly.

Causes

The exact causes for IBS are unknown. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhoea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain.

IBS can be painful. But it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system. IBS does not lead to other health problems.

Symptoms of IBS?

The main symptoms of IBS are

• abdominal pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement
• chronic diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both

Other symptoms are

• whitish mucus in the stool
• a swollen or bloated abdomen
• the feeling of “not finished a bowel movement”

Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis of IBS is based under Specific symptoms, called the Rome criteria, can be used to more accurately make this diagnosis.

Investigation for IBS

In addition to a physical exam and blood tests, the following tests might be done to diagnose IBS:

• Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. This test uses x rays to diagnose problems in the large intestine. It is also called a barium enema x ray.
• Colonoscopy.
• sigmoidoscope,

Treatment

Treatment may involve

• diet changes
• medicine
• stress relief

Diet Changes

Some foods and drinks make IBS worse.

• fatty foods, like French fries
• milk products, like cheese or ice cream
• chocolate
• alcohol
• caffeinated drinks, like coffee and some sodas
• carbonated drinks like soda

Some foods make IBS better.

Fiber may reduce the constipation associated with IBS because it makes stool soft and easier to pass. However, some people with IBS who have more sensitive nerves may feel a bit more abdominal discomfort after adding more fiber to their diet. Fiber is found in foods such as breads, cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Eat small meals.

Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhoea in people with IBS.  Try eating four or five small meals a day instead of less-frequent big meals.

Medicine

Nux vom, Sulphur, Opium, Arg nit, Silicea, Platina, Lyco and other medicines according to symptom similarity .Constitutional medicines are more effective for IBS

Does stress cause IBS?

Emotional stress does not cause IBS. But people with IBS may have their bowels react more to stress. So stress can make the symptoms worse.

Stress Relief

Learning to reduce stress can help with IBS.

Meditation, exercise, hypnosis, and counselling may help.

Points to Remember

• IBS means the bowel doesn’t work in right way.
• IBS can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation.
• IBS doesn’t damage the bowel or lead to other health problems.
• Stress doesn’t cause IBS, but it can make the symptoms worse.
• Fatty foods, milk products, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeinated and carbonated drinks can trigger symptoms.
• Eating foods with fiber and eating small meals throughout the day may reduce symptoms.
• Treatment for IBS may include medicine, stress relief, and changes in eating habits.

Dr, Senthil Kumar BHMS, M. Sc (Psyc), M. Phil (Psyc),

consult.ur.dr@gmail.com

Tags: bowel disease and homoeopathy, disease of bowel, homeopathic management of ibs, Homeopathy, homoeoapthy, ibs, ibs treatment, irritable bowel syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by Dr. Senthil Kumar, irritable bowel syndrome treatment, similia, similiacare