IBS causes abdominal pain and diarrhoea, often alternating with painful constipation. It can make the sufferer feel nauseous and unwell, creating difficulties with eating certain food items.
Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are different types of IBS, depending on the main symptom of the sufferer. It is known by a variety of other names, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhoea, nervous colon and nervous or functional bowel. However, some of these names misrepresent the condition. Colitis, for example, is an inflammation of the colon and this symptom isn't found in people with IBS.
The symptoms of IBS can fluctuate. There may be times when the symptoms are particularly troublesome, and times when sufferers experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms can be exacerbated by factors such as stress and anxiety, making it difficult to reach a single diagnosis when a patient presents to a medical professional with a particular set of gastric problems.
Primary Symptoms of IBS Include:
- Feelings of excess trapped wind and bloating
- Feelings of nausea or sickness
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Pain on the left hand side of the stomach.
Although IBS poses no serious threat to health, it can have an adverse effect on a person's quality of life. The exact causes of IBS are unknown. IBS can be linked to certain food intolerances such as wheat or dairy, but these links have yet to be scientifically proven.
Facts About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. It is estimated that 10-20% of the UK's population are affected by IBS at any one time, although this figure may be higher because many people with the condition often do not report their symptoms to their GP.
IBS is twice as common in women as it is in men. The condition normally develops in people who are between 20-30 years of age, but it can affect people of any age.
Treatment for IBS
While there is no permanent cure for IBS, the symptoms can be controlled by using lifestyle changes and medicine. Through medication such as anti-spasmodics it is possible to soothe the lining of the colon and prevent the spasms which cause diarrhoea and bloating.
Taking a peppermint oil supplement can help to relieve symptoms by soothing the stomach and bowel. Aloe Vera is also used to reduce inflammation.
Alternative Remedies to Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Treatments such as Hypnotherapy and acupuncture can have a positive effect on sufferers of IBS, by assisting relaxation and reducing stress. Self-help for IBS includes relaxing the stomach area in times of high stress, and keeping a diary of food intake and diet to establish what foodstuffs, if any, may be causing a reaction.
Resources for Support:
Tel: 0114 272 32 53
Offers advice, information and support for people with IBS.
Sources:
- Irritable bowel syndrome, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2005)
- Spiller R, Aziz Q, Creed F, et al; Guidelines for the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gut. 2007 May 8;. [abstract]
