What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Posted by Admin | Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Posted on 02-12-2009
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as spastic colon; it is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is commonly characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Though it creates a great deal of discomfort to its sufferers but it does not cause lethal disease like cancer nor is it a permanent intestinal disorder. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be controlled by stress management, proper diet and medicines prescribed by doctors.
It is a very common ailment nearly 20% of the adult population suffers from this.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are abdominal pain and discomfort. Some suffer from constipation that is difficult-to-pass stool and random bowel movements. Often patients complain of straining and cramping during bowel movement. Some people experience diarrhea which is loose watery stools and occurs frequently. They unable to work comfortably and cannot even travel a short distance due to the urgent need and a frequent feel to have a bowel movement. Sometimes the symptom subsides for a few months but again reappears.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Though the exact causes of IBS is still unknown to researchers but it is presumed that it is a kind of irritation the colon suffers from due to over reaction of certain foods. Intestines can contract while consuming fats and caffeine which causes cramping. Chocolate, dairy foods like butter and cheese and excessive drinking of alcohol can make the situation worse.
Doctors prescribes drugs such as Hyoscyamine, Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin and dicyclomine, Bentyl, Di-Spaz which can help relax the contractions and cramping in the intestines. Hot baths can also give you comfort.
To control Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Eat small meals after every 4hrs, don’t keep the stomach empty. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily, as water plays a vital role in curbing constipation. Foods with fat content must be avoided and a healthy diet should be followed. Do some physical exercises or yoga to reduce mental stress.
Though symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome may make your life with full of discomfort or make you disable to go out for small trips but they are not harmful, it does not cause lethal diseases like cancer or tumor.
Fiber helps a lot for the improvement of the work of the intestines. Generally we find two types of fibers: Soluble fiber which can dissolve in water and form a gel-like material. It can help for the treatment of diarrhea and constipation. Apples, beans and citrus fruits are some examples of foods containing soluble fiber. Psyllium, is a vegetable fiber, it is also a soluble fiber. You can also buy psyllium supplements which can be added to food items or water in prescribed amounts and then can be taken by patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Insoluble fiber which is found in whole grain breads, many vegetables and wheat bran helps in curing constipation by easy movement of food materials through the digestive tract. People who are suffering from gas and bloating can also gain from high fiber content foods.