Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a collection of symptoms that has no origin or organic pathology. The symptoms can be devastating in nature such that the individual’s life style is disturbed and they find it hard to cope with daily activities. Below is an image of IBS scenario by
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Causes
Causes of IBS are not known, but one theory suggests that abnormal contraction of large bowels and intestines contribute to cause of IBS.
Infection of the gut by salmonella or Campylobacter has been documented to trigger IBS.
Stress and anxiety as a result of physical,verbal and sexual abuse make the IBS symptoms worse.
IBS sufferers who are sensitive or allergic to some foods are more likely to have severe symptoms than those who have low food intolerance.
What are the common symptoms?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common in females than in males.
*An individual may have diarrhea, constipation or both. Diarrhea usually occurs in the morning. Constipation may last for a few days to months. Some individuals may not feel relieved after going to toilet, may even sit for hours on the toilet trying to evacuate the rectum.
*There may be abdominal bloating,belching, heartburn like a pregnant woman associated with difficult in swallowing,some episodes of nausea and vomiting.
*Pain or discomfort is associated with uncontrolled wind in the gut causing belching. The pain is described as cramping and varying in nature, usually more on the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
*Often individuals have the urge and feeling to evacuate the bowels, but may go to toilet with no results.
*Miserable life style associated with anxiety and fear.
*Multiple hospital admissions or visits to family doctor.
These symptoms bother many patients and when they visit the health professionals, they are told nothing is wrong with them. They feel frustrated and may become depressed.
Contributing factors
Literature indicate that approximately 25% of IBS sufferers (mostly women) were once abused in their early child hood or adult life either physically, emotionally and sexually.
Children born in violent homes are more likely to have IBS in later life. Many studies indicate that there is correlation between IBS and abuse. In most cases, patients with IBS are more likely to report having been raped and other forms of sexual abuse.
Traditionally, women keep such experiences to themselves-only those that are brave report this to their health providers. These people are more likely to frequent the hospital and sometimes even end up having surgery for no pathological indication.
Most often such patients present with severe abdominal pains, pelvic discomfort and other somatic disorders associated with fatigue and muscle pains.
How to manage and overcome IBS symptoms
Management of IBS is aimed at reducing pain and other symptoms and is a long term process. The patient is encouraged to verbalize concerns, stressors either at home or work to the doctor.
People suffering from IBS have found relief when they disclose their past experiences in confidence to healthy professionals or psychologist. Studies have shown that women who disclosed abuse experiences benefited from counseling and psychotherapy intervention than those who did not disclose.
If you are a sufferer of IBS, it is important that you disclose any early child hood sexual abuse or any form of abuse to health professionals. This will help the health professionals give the right interventions other than having unwarranted surgical interventions.
Dietary adjustment
IBS sufferers are encouraged to eliminate foods that worsens the condition such as milk,ice cream,yogurt,cheese and all foods that contain lactose.
Other recommendations include avoid eating gas forming foods such as beans, cabbage,cauliflower. onions.carrots,bananas, wheat, sprouts and raisins.
Drugs
Drugs do not cure the condition but just relieve the symptoms. The common drugs prescribed include:
*Antidiarrhea eg Imodium to control diarrhoea
*Diazepam, to reduce anxiety.
*Aperients, to treat constipation.
*Antispasmodic, to reduce intestinal spasm or contractions.
*Antibiotics, to treat gastro-intestinal infections.
*Many natural therapies have been introduced on the market, but there is no clear evidence to support them. The best thing is to consult health practitioners before taking them.
Conclusion
Even if IBS is known to cause pain and miserly, there is hope for patients to be able to control the symptoms and live a profitable and normal life without complications.
Charles Kaluwasha is the owner of http://www.LifeOnTheNet7.com and reviews popular home business ideas and opportunities to help home business seekers find reliable and profitable home business opportunities that actually work. Charles’s #1 profitable home business recommendation is the Plug-In Profit Site where you can get your own legitimate home business website setup to earn multiple streams of affiliate income within the next 24 hours. http://www.LifeOnTheNet7.com
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