Health Care

Increasingly, irritable bowel syndrome sufferers are turning to alternative methods of IBS relief. This may be as an adjunct to conventional irritable bowel syndrome treatment or an attempt to seek a holistic solution and a "natural " remedy for the individual symptoms of IBS. Findings from a study of 225 people suffering from IBS concluded that more than half of all patients diagnosed with the condition turn to alternative remedies instead of traditional forms of treatment (Royal London School of Medicine, 2000). Herbal and Natural IBS Relief Popular natural supplements and herbal remedies for controlling symptoms and providing IBS relief include: Chamomile  has a soothing and anti-spasmodic effect on the digestive tract. Peppermint oil  has an anti-spasmodic effect on the colon. Acidophilus  reduces harmful bacteria in the gut. Psyllium  provides relief from constipation and diarrhea. Evening primrose  helps reduce aggravated symptoms experienced by some women

The most commonly prescribed IBS medications include: low-dose antidepressants  to control abdominal nerve endings antispasmodics  to control intestinal muscle spasm and abdominal pain musculotropic antispasmodics  to relieve spasms in the smooth muscle cells and intestines medications  that slow down the speed of food moving through the digestive system laxatives . IBS Medications by Symptom For diarrhea . . . Good results have been achieved with  loperamide , either taken on its own or in combination with an antispasmodic drug such as  dicyclomine  or  hyoscyamine . The latter are particularly effective for the control of abdominal cramping. For constipation . . . Stimulant laxatives are best avoided, as they only tend to irritate the bowel.  Osmotic laxatives , such as  lactulose  or  sorbitol  are preferred alternatives. For severe abdominal pain . . . Besides antispasmodic drugs, low-dose antidepressants may also be prescribed for the treatment of severe abdomin

The consensus among medical professionals and nutrition specialists is that eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. More important is the need to view the dietary habits of people suffering from IBS in the broader context of their general lifestyle, emotional state and other contributory factors. In order to eliminate foods that cause "flare-ups " from an individual 's irritable bowel syndrome diet, the patient is asked to keep a food diary and note any particular items that appear to aggravate the condition. The physician may then refer the findings to a registered dietitian who will recommend appropriate changes to the IBS diet, tailored to the individual 's dietary requirements. Often, all the patient has to do is to make a few simple food substitutions. For example, if a patient appears to be intolerant to the lactose content of certain dairy products (milk,

The First Step Because IBS is a disorder that relates to intestinal function, diagnosis requires a somewhat different approach. A routine starting point, therefore, involves analyzing the patient 's medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. Subsequent diagnosis is based upon identifying a pattern of symptoms that corresponds to established IBS criteria. The Next Step in IBS Diagnosis Depending upon the symptoms manifested by the patient and other factors, such as age and general state of health, further diagnostic testing may be required, primarily to eliminate the possibility of unrelated medical conditions. In certain instances, such investigations are essential to exclude the presence of other life-threatening disorders that superficially exhibit symptoms similar to IBS. Infection, inflammation or growth abnormalities are not associated with irritable bowel syndrome. If the results of these tests prove negative, further testing is in order. Di

Despite being one of the most common digestive disorders to afflict the population of the Western world, medical research has yet to establish a specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome. However, much progress has been made in recent years to banish, once and for all, the notion that it is an "imaginary" illness that affects only the emotionally vulnerable. Biological causes of irritable bowel syndrome have been identified and it can be triggered by a number of factors. Bowel Sensitivity Research has established that patients suffer from a higher than normal level of bowel sensitivity. This sensitivity can trigger a reaction that, in turn, causes symptoms such as abdominal pain and muscle spasms. Emotions and IBS An important distinction must be made: Although stress does not cause IBS, it can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. In people who suffer from a combination of stress and IBS, symptoms become particularly exacerbated following a heavy meal. This is expl

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms occur as a result of intestinal dysfunction and are not due to bowel disease. In certain instances, they disappear of their own accord; in others, some form of medical intervention is required. The Main Source of Symptoms The colon, or large intestine, links the small intestine to the rectum and is the main site of IBS symptoms. Symptoms may vary from patient to patient, both in their intensity and their frequency. All patients, however, suffer from at least some of the following symptoms. Tell your doctor if you experience any of them, as they provide essential clues in the diagnosis of IBS. Change in Bowel Habits:  Changes may be associated with frequency of bowel movements or a change in the appearance of stools. An increased sensation of urgency to empty the bowel is also commonplace. Constipation:  The occurrence of constipation is usually associated with the difficult or irregular passage of stools. Diarrhea:  Diarrhea results from

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c