IBS

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a "disorder of brain-gut interaction" characterized by a group of symptoms that commonly include abdominal pain and or abdominal bloating and changes in the consistency of bowel movements.

SIGN & SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of IBS may vary from person to person. Symptoms tend to come and go over time, and often last for several days or weeks.  Symptoms can become worse, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.The symptoms of IBS are often relieved by a bowel movement (passing stool)

Common symptoms of IBS include:

•Abdominal pain and cramps

•Abdominal bloating

•Diarrhoea and/or constipation (sometimes these may alternate)

•Excessive flatulence (wind)

•Mucus in the stool.

•Urgent need to go to the toilet

•Feeling of not having completely emptied the bowels after going to the toilet

Other less common symptoms may also be experienced, such as:

•Lack of energy (lethargy)

•Feeling sick

•Heartburn

The symptoms of IBS can also have a significant impact on a person's day-to-day life and, as a result, some people may experience symptoms of low mood and stress.

TYPES 

IBS is classified into four types.These include:

1. IBS-C (constipation-predominant)

The person alternates between constipation and normal stools. Eating may cause abdominal spasms or severe pain.

2. IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant)

The patient suffers from diarrhea soon after getting up or after he/she eats something. Sometimes, the bowel movement may be involuntary, and the person may need to make frequent urgent visits to the toilet.

3. IBS-A or IBS-M (alternating constipation and diarrhea)

This is an erratic form of IBS, which is characterized by at least one abnormal bowel movement in a day that may lead to constipation or diarrhea.

Thus, IBS-A is a mixed bad wherein you have not set pattern of bowel activity. Nearly 25% of such IBS episodes result in hard or lumpy stools, while another 25% are accompanied by runny stools.

4.IBS-U (unclassified)

Patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS but whose bowel habits do not fit into any of the above subtypes.

CAUSES 

Researchers don’t exactly know what causes IBS. They think a combination of factors can lead to IBS, including:

•Dysmotility

Problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract.

•Visceral hypersensitivity

Extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract.

•Brain-gut dysfunction

Miscommunication between nerves in the brain and gut.

•Improper functioning of the immune system (over or under active)

•Abnormal amounts of bacteria and other organisms (like viruses and fungi) in the gut (microbiota)

RISK FACTORS 

A few of the risk factors associated with IBS are as follows:

•Age

IBS tends to occur in people of the 25-50 age groups

•Gender

IBS seems to be more common in Women than Men. It is thought that the female hormones play a role in this

•Family History

Genes or a shared environment or both in combination may play a role in risk of IBS

•Mental Health Problems

Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are associated with IBS

GENERAL TIPS TO RELIEVE IBS SYMPTOMS 

DO'S

✓Cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients when you can

✓Keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS

✓Try to find ways to relax

✓Get plenty of exercise

✓Try probiotics for a month to see if they help

DON'TS

•Do not delay or skip meals

•Do not eat too quickly

•Do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods

•Do not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g)

•Do not drink more than 3 cups of tea or coffee a day

•Do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT 

ALOES

Aloes is an effective remedy for IBS. Constant bearing down in rectum . Bleeding rectum feels sore and hot, and is relieved by cold water. Lot of mucus and wind is expelled with stools and the pain remains in the rectum after passing stools. There is gurgling in abdomen, fecal incontinence and the ability to control the runs.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM

In this remedy there is a lot of wind, with very loud and forceful belching or flatulence. There is nausea and indigestion associated with nerves or anxiety, especially when anticipating a stressful event like a job interview or exam.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 

Stomach cramps that are worse after taking cold. This remedy suits people who always feel chilly; so much so that even eating cold food such as ice cream aggravates. There is a great deal of diarrhoea that can come on after drinking whilst moving around makes everything worse. Taking regular sips of a warm drink and lying down to rest bring relief.

ASAFOETIDA 

Asafoetida is also a very effective remedy for IBS. There is a feeling of constriction in all directions, especially if muscular contractions in the intestines and oesophagus seem to be moving in the wrong direction strongly indicates this medicine. The person may have a feeling that a bubble is stuck in the throat, or that a lump is moving up from the stomach. The abdomen feels inflated, but the person finds it hard to pass gas in either direction to get relief. Constipation brings on griping pains. Diarrhoea can be explosive , and the person may even regurgitate food in small amounts. Moreover the person may exhibit a strong emotional or hysterical element this remedy is needed.

BRYONIA ALBA

A useful remedy in IBS that is aggravated after eating bread and where the thirst is increased. The stomach may feel so heavy that it is like a stone is sitting there. Belching relieves the pain and tastes of undigested food. Tight clothing and walking about also worsen the condition.

CARBO VEG

The remedy is well-suited to older people or those suffering from general fatigue with stomach pains that are burning, sore or pressing. There are cramps which feel like the stomach is being contracted with a lot of bloating after eating. Butter, fats & rich foods can cause belching, heartburn and indigestion with weakness or faintness.

CHINA OFFICINALIS

Stomach acidity with a great deal of bloating & bitter or sour belching. The appetite swings from being ravenous to being completely off food, with a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount. Fruit and milk aggravate and the pains are pressing or sore. Digestion in general is very slow.

COLOCYNTHIS

This remedy has terrible stomach cramps that are better for doubling up and may be worse from anger or indignation. The pains are short, sharp & pinching and aggravated after eating, especially fruit. Heat & pressure give some relief to the pains which can extend to the lower back or into the buttocks. It is also a very useful remedy for sciatica and neuralgic pain in general.

LILIUM TIG

When this remedy is indicated, the person may make frequent unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all day and have sudden diarrhea the following morning. A feeling of a lump in the rectum, worse when standing up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop. Constricting feelings are often felt in the chest. The person is likely to be worse from excitement and strong emotions, and may tend toward irritability or even rage.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 

This remedy is well-suited to people with IBS & food intolerances, especially onions, oysters, cabbage and beans. The pains are worse in the evening, typically from 4- 8pm and are relieved by passing wind. The inflamed digestive tract struggles to get enough nutrition from food, so there can be loss of weight with fullness and bloating in the abdomen. The appetite is very changeable and can go from being ravenous to very full after a few mouthfuls.

NATRUM CARB

This remedy is often indicated for mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers may occur if offending foods are eaten. The person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products can lead to gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in the stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has learned to avoid it). A person who needs this remedy usually makes an effort to be cheerful and considerate, but, when feeling weak and sensitive wants to be alone to rest.

NATRUM MUR

Indigestion after too much starchy food with sour belching & terrible hiccough. There are painful stomach cramps, aggravated by touch. Strong emotions such as grief, or stewing on the past can aggravate the condition.

NUX VOMICA 

This remedy suits people who burn the candle at both ends, working hard and playing harder. Eventually, this stressful lifestyle takes it’s toll and the digestive system suffers. There are severe stomach cramps and acid reflux that are aggravated by mental exertion. Hiccough, belching, fullness and indigestion are worse after coffee, spicy foods and smoking. There can also be a lot of nausea and feelings of being sea-sick. The remedy is also very useful to treat a hangover.

PHOSPHORUS

In IBS, the patient complains of constipation alternating with diarrhea. Stools are offensive and there is much urging for stools when lying on the left side. Marked weakness after stools. Highly sensitive to external impressions such as light, sound, odors, touch, thunderstorms, etc. Restless, excitable, nervous individuals. Affects the kidneys causing albuminuria and haematuria; patient has profuse, pale, watery urine with intense weakness. There is increased susceptibility to colds amongst children.

PULSATILLA NIG

Pulsatilla is also indicated for IBS. There is painful distension of the abdomen with rumbling and pressure in the abdomen. Tightness in abdomen after a meal. Watery, rumbling stools; no two stools alike.Pulsatilla is more indicated mild yielding persons

SILICEA

Silicea is also considered a good remedy for IBS. -Loss of appetite and disgust for meat and warm food in general. Bloated feeling in the abdomen. Colicky pain in the abdomen with constipation. Stool is hard and comes with great difficulty. On the other hand patient may also develop diarrhea that has an offensive odor. Silica positively influences nutrition as well and hence its one of the prominent remedies used for rickets in children.

SULPHUR

Stomach cramps aggravated by touch, with burning pains worse in the morning and at night. Appetite is usually increased, especially around 11am with an ‘all-gone’ sensation. The stomach feels very heavy straight after eating.