A Simple Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Treatment and Related Diseases. A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions, #51

IntroductionOde to Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is by abdominal painGassiness, bloating and changes in bowel habits complaintThere may be alternating diarrhea and constipationThe cause of IBS is believed to be psychological functionThe main symptoms are gas and intestinal distensionIBS is a loss of coordination of intestinal contractionsThere may nausea, loss of appetite and indigestionThere is also heart burn, abdominal distress and depressionSymptoms may be eased if you eat smaller portionsA high-fiber diet usually helps to improve digestion.
Medicines called antispasmodics can relieve stomach cramps. Relief of abdominal cramps is something to give thanksIrritable bowel syndrome is not a life-threatening conditionTreatment of IBS is to control the symptoms through medicationDrink lots of water, preferably two liters a dayAvoid eating too much at one time especially buffet-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Irritable Bowel SyndromeA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Medicines can relieve specific symptoms of IBS depending on which is giving you most trouble. But by controlling some symptoms, a medicine may make others worse. Medicines called antispasmodics can relieve stomach cramps. Examples are Spasmonal, Colofac, Buscopan and peppermint oil. If constipation is a major problem, bulk laxatives (Fybogel, Regulan, Isogel) are usually tried first.
More powerful types known as stimulant laxatives (Senokot, Dulcolax) are not usually recommended for IBS because they can cause cramping. Fybogel mebeverine contains ispaghula husk and mebeverine. Ispaghula husk helps with constipation while mebeverine acts as an antispasmodic to relieve stomach cramps. Medicines can treat gas and stomach rumbling in cases where these are a major problem. Examples are charcoal tablets and simethicone, an anti-foaming agent which disperses trapped gas in the stomach and intestine.
Imodium plus also contains simethicone to ease cramps and bloating. Tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used to relieve pain in people who have not responded to other treatments. Colestyramine (Questran) can help the small proportion of people with IBS whose diarrhea is due to impaired handling of bile salts within the gut.3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week.
One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing.
Chapter 1Irritable bowel syndromeWhat is Irritable bowel syndrome?Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Abdominal cramps, bloating or gas, diarrhea or constipation characterizes it. It is also known as spastic col...