Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Common Treatments
August 31, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Let’s face it – when we find ourselves having to run to the toilet more often than what we would like, we usually attribute it to something we’ve eaten, whether it be spicy food, or even a high fat diet. Even though these can cause an upset stomach from time to time, they wouldn’t result in you experiencing such symptoms regularly. In fact, if you frequently suffer from a sore stomach, constipation, or diarrhea, then there is a possibility that you may be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which of course is certainly more serious.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS as it’s commonly known, is by all accounts a chronic condition resulting in symptoms which can vary from mild to severe. While some people experience diarrhea, others are forced to endure painful constipation. Furthermore, the frequency at which these symptoms are experienced can also differ from one person to the next.
Fortunately however, IBS can be controlled to a certain extent by means of stress management and a change of diet. Even though there is currently no known cure, those who suffer from the condition can certainly find relief providing they’re willing to make some changes. It’s been determined that there are as many as 50 million people in America suffering from this condition, with 70% only experiencing mild symptoms, 25% experiencing moderate symptoms, and 5% experiencing severe symptoms. The symptoms which affect those in the 5% group are usually so severe, that specialist help might be required.
On the other hand, those who experience mild symptoms can usually find relief simply by altering their diets and by reducing stress levels. Those people who are in the 25% group, that experience moderate symptoms, will of course stand to benefit by reducing stress and altering their diet, but they may need to put in a little more effort. It is also advisable for them to keep track of which foods tend to irritate their condition. In the most severe cases, patients may be required to take prescription drugs in order to control pain at first, just as they may be required to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy.
One should also bear in mind that IBS affects different people differently, which means that treatments which work for one may not work for another. As such, if you are currently taking medication for the condition and you feel that it’s not working then you should of course discuss it with your doctor. Whatever you do; never be tempted to make adjustments to the types of medication you’re taking or to your diet without consulting a doctor first.
Above all, you need to realize that while IBS is by no means pleasant, it’s also not life threatening. If you currently experience the symptoms of this condition, you should however consult with a doctor so that you can be checked for more serious conditions that have similar symptoms to IBS, like colon cancer. Better safe than sorry!
Can You Help a Child With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
July 23, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Most people think that it is only adults that suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. No one would ever dream of suspecting that their child would suffer from such a painful, uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing condition.
However, children can and do suffer from this uncomfortable digestive disorder that causes bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterised as a functional disorder that is thought to be caused by a problem in the intestines. This problem is thought to be the major cause of the recurring abdominal pain suffered by children and adults alike.
The symptoms that the child would generally experience are abdominal pain and cramping which will usually be relived when the child has had a bowel movement. The child may also suffer from bouts of constipation and/or diarrhoea. Again, these symptoms are almost identical to those that would be suffered by an adult.
Obviously any of these symptoms will be very scary for a child. No-one wants to see their child in pain or discomfort and that is why it is very important to get a proper diagnosis from your Doctor in order to help your child with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Getting a Clear Diagnosis
Changing your Child’s diet may be recommended as the first course of action by your Doctor. Many sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome benefit from changing their diet to include more fibre and drinking more water along with eating more fruit and vegetables while also eating less fatty, greasy food.
Medications can be prescribed but as children are generally very susceptible to medications the first course of action should be the changes to their diet. Obviously these changes may take a little bit of time to incorporate into their daily routine. Everyone knows the many excuses children will come up with in order to avoid anything healthy!
However, even the smallest changes to their diet can have a huge effect. As an example changing from white bread to brown wholemeal, getting them to eat an extra piece of fruit a day, these changes although small can have a huge effect on their symptoms.
Making these changes can be easier when the child is a little older. When I first attempted to make these changes with my daughter, when she was very young, it was extremely difficult. She would stubbornly not try any new foods! However, as she has got older, she is now almost 6 years old, she is more aware of her situation and the effect eating certain foods can have on her symptoms.
Most Doctors do not know why children suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and they generally think children will grow out of the condition. However, if you try making the changes to their diet and the symptoms do not improve, you need to follow up with your Doctor. There are medications available that can help and also some relaxation techniques that the Doctor can show you so you can help your child when they are suffering from an attack of certain symptoms.
By: Lyndsay Whittaker
About the Author:
For more information on Helping your Child with Irritable Bowel Syndrome please take a look at http://www.living-with-ibs.com.
Treatment Irritable Bowel Syndrome
July 12, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder affecting the gastrointestinal. The origin of this disorder is still unknown. But its symptoms include bloating, gassiness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and constipation. And since it is still not clear what’s causing IBS, all the treatments for this disorder are just intended to control the symptoms.
Ways of Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Changing Diet
IBS is a disorder that involves the colon and mainly focused on the bowel movement. Since IBS caused constipation and diarrhea what most people do is to change their diet. Modifying diet may control symptoms of IBS but without the proper guidance of a doctor its effect may not last for long.
Why? Because you need to be properly diagnosed by a doctor before you change your diet. You see there are certain foods that are not advisable for IBS patients and your doctor can tell you exactly the foods that you have to avoid and eat. Take for instance, without a doctor to diagnose your condition you may mistook lactose intolerance for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Medical Treatment
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a problem that only happens occasionally but there are also some IBS patients that experience much lasting symptoms and often entails for medications.
One of the most common treatment prescribe is eating fiber-rich foods. The main objective of this is to help the digestive tract to expand in order to reduce the possibility of spasm while food is being transmitted and digested. Plus fiber is known for promoting regular bowel movement reducing constipation.
However, it is very important to add fiber to the diet slowly since it may worsen IBS symptoms like bloating and gassiness. Stress is another factor that triggers IBS. Doctors may advice ways on how to reduce stress like eating a well-balanced meal and of course exercising.
Smoking was also found out to worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. IBS smoker patients are advised to quit smoking or suffer the consequences. It is also advisable for IBS patients especially those with food intolerance, to keep a food journal to help them determine foods that they have to avoid and foods that they can eat.
Medications
There are antispasmodic medicines that are given to IBS patients to control or slow down the action of the digestive tract to reduce spasms. However different people react to medicines in different ways so it may work for some but not for others. For those who may not have a good reaction to this type of medicine there are other available treatments that may be applied to control symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Anti-diarrhea medicines are also prescribed to IBS patients that are experiencing severe loose bowel movement. There are lots of over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicines that can be bought even without a doctor’s prescription. This is all right for simple diarrhea cases but for IBS you need to consult your doctor before you try to purchase any medicine.
Antidepressants are also very effective for controlling Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms especially when taken in small doses. There are also new types of medications that are especially made for patients that do not react favorably with the aforementioned medicines. Consult your doctor for medicines that will help you to control IBS symptoms. Do not self-medicate since it may do you more harm than good.
By: Janet Rusky
About the Author:
What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment?
July 9, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition marked by bloating, severe abdominal pain, and cramping. It is also called spastic colon syndrome and generally alters the normal patterns of bowel movements. More often than not, the person affected by IBS will be plagued with diarrhea and/or constipation, however this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, factors in the diet can lead to a person being affected by this condition, although for some there aren’t any dietary factors at all. Still, it should be noted that altering the diet and removing spicy foods, dairy products (lactose), and adding more fiber can help with treatment. If you are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then your doctor might order an allergy test to determine whether certain foods are behind your condition, in which case the condition can easily be treated with a change in diet.
Sometimes, counseling could be in order, as IBS often manifests as a result of increased stress and anxiety in a person’s life. It might seem odd, but treating mental problems can often decrease physical symptoms of this condition. This is because your body’s condition mirrors that of the mind, and a troubled mind can cause physical symptoms to appear. On the other hand, meditation has been shown to help some people lower stress in their lives, or at least be able to deal with it more effectively. As a result, symptoms of IBS often disappear or at least get reduced to a level that is manageable. Since IBS is considered a psychosomatic condition, treating both the mind and body are important.
Probiotics and fiber supplements have been shown to help remove the symptoms of IBS and can easily be purchased online or at a local health food store. Antispasmodics have also been shown to help relax the stomach and bowels so that digestion can resume normally. It is amazing that a condition with such distinct symptoms can be treated in so many ways, but the reason is that there is not known cause. Although doctors have been studying Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years, there are very few clues to the etiology of IBS.
By: Alan Low
About the Author:
Learn more on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome diet at my site.
Food Diary Download
July 2, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Food Diary and Review
As you know I am a real advocate of using Food Diaries. They are a great way to identify what is causing challenges in your diet and can very often show you some interesting results!
Listen to this first. I recorded this help audio to explain how to use a food diary and why.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
PDF Version
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Please Note: -
I do not hold any official nutrition qualifications or medical qualifications. My advice is from my experience and from helping others. If you think you have a severe problem you should seek professional medical advice.
