Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief

 What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a mixture of abdominal symptoms for which there is no apparent cause.
IBS is a disorder in which the nerves that control the muscles in the GI tract are too active causing it to become sensitive to food, stool, gas, and stress.
Also called spastic colon or mucous colitis or irritable colon.
It is common in people between the ages of 25 – 45 and more common in women than in men.
It is estimated that 10 – 20% of the Western society are diagnosed with this condition.

IBS Symptoms
Abdominal pain, bloating, and Constipation are the main symptoms of IBS.

However, symptoms can vary from person to person.
Some people have constipation, which means hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements.
While others experience abdominal pain or bloating, which is usually felt in the lower region of the bowel.
This pain may be incessant or intermittent and can range from mild to severe. The onset usually occurs together with changes in bowel movement pattern.

There are three classifications of IBS, they are constipation predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) or if the person fluctuates between constipation and diarrhea, they are referred to as having alternating stool patterns (IBS-A). It is most common to be either constipation or diarrhea predominant and generally those symptoms will not change until the irritable bowel syndrome is relieved.
Sometimes people find that their symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.

Diagnosing IBS

There is no specific test for IBS, although diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out other diseases. These tests may include stool sample testing, blood tests, and x rays. Typically, a doctor will perform a sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to look inside the colon. This is done by inserting a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end of it through the anus. The camera then transfers the images of your colon onto a large screen for the doctor to see well.
If your test results are negative, the doctor may diagnose IBS based on your symptoms, including how often you have had abdominal pain or discomfort during the past year, when the pain starts and stops in relation to bowel function, and how your bowel frequency and stool consistency have changed. Many doctors refer to a list of specific symptoms that must be present to make a diagnosis of IBS

Managing IBS
The condition is not a disease but a group of symptoms, and this is why it is referred to as a syndrome. The symptoms tend to be physical in nature although psychological methods of treatment should not be ruled out as they have shown to be helpful and effective.
· Healthy lifestyle - moderate exercise and good eating habits, a sufferer of irritable bowel syndrome can be well on the way to a less spastic colon and a more enjoyable and pain free life.
· Healthy eating - diet low on fat and processed sugar and high on fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, like beans and peanuts.
Healthy eating can lead to a better life.
· Hypnotherapy does not cure IBS, but it has been proven successful in dramatically reducing symptoms, in some cases by as much as 80%. It is even acknowledged by the British Medical Association as being the most effective way to deal with the symptoms of IBS.

The treatment program lasts for up to six sessions over a period of six weeks. In between sessions you are given a CD to listen to which reinforces the hypnotic suggestions and help with relaxation.

IBS Overview
IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.

It is worth pointing out that IBS has not been found to cause any damage to the gut, and doesn’t develop into Colon Cancer.

Once the triggers and therefore the symptoms are managed successfully, the chances of the condition reoccurring are reduced.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief is available after diagnosis by following a plan that identifies triggers that cause symptoms, and alleviating the symptoms as they arrive. In this way both the causes and the effects of the condition can be managed.

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 alcoholic drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas
· Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets

Researchers have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems.

Prevention
· Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetables.
· Exclude any foods which always upset you.
· Take regular exercise.
· Avoid unnecessary stress.
· It may help to learn relaxation techniques, in fact this is good general advice for us all.

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