Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by diarrhea and constipation (or sometimes both), abdominal cramping, pain and discomfort. There is no specific cause for the condition and it is thought to stem from a number of potential factors from micro-organism invasion to an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, although it may have been suggested there is an irritable bowel syndrome cure there is no clinical proof to this effect.

There are a number of recommended treatment approaches that greatly help reduce the symptoms. However, there is still no record of one that can completely eliminate the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease, but a collaboration of symptoms. It is a functional bowel disorder, which means that there is no disease present, or illness, no damage to cells/ tissues and no abnormalities to the structure of the digestive system.

Treatments for irritable bowel syndrome aim to have the beneficial effects of improving or returning the dysfunction back to normal, including the gastrocolic reflux.

The gastrocolic reflex is an important element of the digestive process. As food enters the stomach, the reflex automatically prepares the colon and the small intestine to begin processing the food and transporting it though the digestive tract.

However, with irritable bowel syndrome, this mechanism is significantly impaired, which is why digested matter can “get blocked” causing constipation or being hastily transported along the intestines due to abnormal contractions causing diarrhea.

Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for our free irritable bowel newsletter and find out how to naturally relieve IBS symptoms.

The truth is, since the condition is a syndrome or grouping of symptoms and not a disease, there is no cure for it. The best approach, and one that has been successful for many, is to alleviate the associated symptoms and to reduce the factors that increase the risk of the symptoms returning, and so allow for normal digestive processes to occur.

Treatment should also aim to reduce impact the impact of adverse reactions, lessen intervals between relapses and return the affected person to as close to normal intestinal heath as possible.

Since there is no structural abnormality with this chronic gastrointestinal disorder, surgery is unlikely to treat any dysfunction or correct the gastrocolic reflex. Also, although some medications have been shown to be effective at soothing symptoms, as the cause of IBS is unknown, the main cause of IBS cannot be treated by medication (although some trigger conditions can be parasite infestation).

The best medication approach would be those that aim to reduce the ill effects of pain, cramping, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. Some individuals may experience a long pause between bouts of IBS, and if this is the case then the actions before and during this pause should be reviewed to identify any specific conditions or actions that relieved the symptoms for the period.

Although there is not an Irritable bowel syndrome cure, Gastroenterologists are still investigating the exact cause of the intestinal abnormality, but at the moment there is still a wide array of possible sources. It is important that any interventions are individualized as each person’s IBS symptoms are unique, and the trigger factors need to be addressed individually.

By: Susan Reynolds

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Kansieo.com

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome* (IBS) is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating relieved by defecation and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is currently unknown. IBS is thought to result from an interplay of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract movements, increased awareness of normal bodily functions, and a change in the nervous system communication between the brain and the GI tract.

What are the symptoms

The symptoms may get worse when you’re under stress, such as when you travel, attend social events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don’t eat enough healthy foods or after you’ve eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered by certain foods. Women who have IBS may notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don’t respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it’s best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.pain or discomfort that is accompanied by changes in the way a person’s stool (poop) normally looks. Some people become constipated and their stools become hard (and difficult to pass); other people develop diarrhea.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The severity of IBS will determine the method of treatment. In general, treatment is aimed first at relieving the gastrointestinal symptoms. In some cases, however, emotional or psychological factors are also targeted as part of the treatment plan. It is important to emphasize that no single regimen works for most people with IBS. Symptoms are quite variable and may change significantly over time, therefore therapy must be individualized.

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

IBS is a non-life threatening illness. It does not progress or increase your risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cancer. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so you can live your life as normally as possible.

By: james sameul

About the Author:

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Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome* (IBS) is a “syndrome,” meaning a group of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating relieved by defecation and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is currently unknown. IBS is thought to result from an interplay of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract movements, increased awareness of normal bodily functions, and a change in the nervous system communication between the brain and the GI tract.

What are the symptoms

The symptoms may get worse when you’re under stress, such as when you travel, attend social events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don’t eat enough healthy foods or after you’ve eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered by certain foods. Women who have IBS may notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don’t respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it’s best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.pain or discomfort that is accompanied by changes in the way a person’s stool (poop) normally looks. Some people become constipated and their stools become hard (and difficult to pass); other people develop diarrhea.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The severity of IBS will determine the method of treatment. In general, treatment is aimed first at relieving the gastrointestinal symptoms. In some cases, however, emotional or psychological factors are also targeted as part of the treatment plan. It is important to emphasize that no single regimen works for most people with IBS. Symptoms are quite variable and may change significantly over time, therefore therapy must be individualized.

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

IBS is a non-life threatening illness. It does not progress or increase your risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cancer. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so you can live your life as normally as possible.

By: james sameul

About the Author:

Kansieo.com