Are-you-falling-prey-to-IBS?
Are you one of those many who are irritated of having to spend a lot of time in the morning trying to clear bowels and still have a feeling of inadequate evacuation lingering? Or are you constantly smitten by the fear of having to visit the loo anytime nature calls !! Probably , you have what is commonly termed as an ' Irritable Bowel Syndrome '
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders that doctors see. Yet it's also one that many people aren't comfortable talking about because the signs and symptoms may be embarrassing.
For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.
SYMPTOMS
- Abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort are the main symptoms of IBS.
- Some people have constipation, which means hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements characterized by straining and cramping when trying to have a bowel movement but cannot eliminate any stool, or they are able to eliminate only a small amount. If they are able to have a bowel movement, there may be mucus in it, which is a fluid that moistens and protect passages in the digestive system.
- Some people with IBS experience diarrhea, which is frequent, loose, watery, stools. People with diarrhea frequently feel an urgent and uncontrollable need to have a bowel movement.
- Other people with IBS alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes people find that their symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.
CAUSES
Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. One theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a colon, or large intestine, that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. The immune system, which fights infection, may also be involved. The following have been associated with a worsening of IBS symptoms
- large meals
- bloating from gas in the colon
- medicines
- wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol
- drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas
- stress, conflict, or emotional upsets
STRESS AND IBS
Stress-feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed-can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which responds to stress. These nerves control the normal contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. In people with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes the mind more aware of the sensations that arise in the colon, making the person perceive these sensations as unpleasant. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Stress management options include
- stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies such as meditation
- counseling and support
- regular exercise such as walking or yoga
- changes to the stressful situations in your life
- adequate sleep
Simple Modifications in your daily meal pattern especially if you have IBS , constipation predominant , increasing the fibre intake may aid in relieving your symptoms .
Thus,
treatment of IBS involves a synchronization of medication , dietary and stress management.
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