Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition affecting about 12 million sufferers in Britain. It commonly occurs between the ages of 15 - 40 yrs, and affects women more than men. As well as the bowel, IBS may also affect the stomach and small intestine.

Symptoms
The main symptoms of IBS:
* Gripping colicky tummy pain, often in the lower left abdomen, which is often relieved by bowel movement or passing wind.
* Stools may be passed more frequently, be less solid, and slime or mucus may also be passed. After bowel movements, there is often a sensation of not having fully emptied them.
* Abdominal distention, feeling bloated, and excessive tummy `rumbling'!
* The urgent need to rush and quickly open the bowels, sometimes resulting in an 'accident'!
* Abdominal tenderness, sharp pains felt inside the rectum, burping, nausea and even vomiting.
* Constipation, or irregular bowel movements varying between diarrhoea and constipation!

IBS results from incorrect action of the bowel muscle. If the bowel muscle acts too quickly, diarrhoea results, and if too slowly, constipation occurs. Overactivity of the muscle causes cramps, which, although unpleasant, are not serious. The exact trigger of bowel muscle action is unknown, but stress and anxiety frequently produce IBS symptoms. Hence, relaxation exercises, yoga and, in particular, hypnosis can be helpful.

IBS is not due to inflammation or infection of the bowel, nor is it an allergic reaction to certain foods. It is not an inherited condition.

One third of sufferers have been shown to benefit from eating a high fibre diet. So it is worth while increasing fresh fruit, green vegetables, bran containing cereals and brown rice in your diet. However, wheat bran makes some patients worse so find out what suits you personally!

Have small regular meals, avoid spicy foods and, if the symptoms are still troublesome, anti-spasmodics which act by relaxing the bowel muscle can be useful. Prescription drugs such as `Spasmonal',`Merbentyl', `Colofac' and `Colpermin' have been useful in helping IBS.

Further information can be found at Core:http://www.digestivedisorders.org.uk
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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