Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, Causes and Treatment by Drugs and Natural Therapies

Irritable bowel syndrome can be very unpleasant. Symptoms can range from simple wind to the severity of the sufferer actually soiling themselves. In this article symptoms will be briefly touched upon, causes covered in greater depth, and the full range of treatments available covered in detail.

The aim of this article is to give the reader more information about IBS, and thus enable them to possess more knowledge about their condition and therefore be able to make more objective decisions regarding their own treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now one of the commonest reasons why people visit their Doctor. Although not a disease as such ITB can be very distressing. Anyone who has been stuck on the freeway and had the sudden urge 'to go' will no doubt agree.

Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms of IBS include constipation, diarrhea, severe bloating, wind, stomach cramps, and the compelling urge to to run to the toilet. Anyone suffering one or more of these symptoms should consult their Doctor to rule out other possible health problems.

Causes Of IBS

There are no definite causes of Irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are known precursors to the syndrome. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, fear can all be a contributing factor. Physiological factors can include insufficient pancreatic enzymes.

It is thought that the major cause of IBS is that of food intolerance or allergy. Gluten rich grains and dairy products are the biggest culprits. However, your condition may be an intolerance to any food or drink that you consume. You need to keep a well documented 'food diary' to see if you suffer IBS after consuming certain foods.

Drug Treatment

Antispasmodics: atropine, atropine compounds, dicyclomine, hyoscine butylbromide, propantheline bromide. Function is to relax bowel wall and relieve cramps. Side-effects can include diffculty urinating, dizziness, constipation, blurry vision, insomnia, amongst others.

Antidiarrhoeal Agents: loperamide, co-phenotrope. Function is to stop excessive and erratic digestive contractions. Side-effects can include abdominal distentsion, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, amongst others.

Laxatives: lactulose, magnesium citrate, macrogols, bisacodyl, magnesium hydroxide, amongst others. Function is to induce bowel movements. Side-effects can include diarrhia, cramping, dependence, amongst others.

Natural Therapies To Combat Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Peppermint: Mentha X piperita; is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain relieving. Peppermint can be used for indigestion, wind, and stomach upset. Mints are from the family of carminatives, which allow the release of wind trapped in the stomach. Peppermint essential oil can be the best option to treat IBS.

Psyllium: Plantago ovata; is an high fiber supplement. Psyllium forms into a bulky mass than has been shown to assist greatly in regular peristalsis.

Camomile: Matricaria recuita; is a sedative that also helps relieve wind, fight inflammation, and calm intestinal spasms.

Although not specifically an irritable bowel syndrome cure, the 'friendly' bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to suppress unhealtnhy bacteria, parasites, and yeast albicans. Enzymes that promote better digestion of food can also help with IBS. Such enzymes are bromelain from pineapple, papain from papaya, and cultured 'moulds'.

It has been shown that there are many options of treatment for the person who suffers IBS. Because the symptoms can be a precursor to bowel and colon cancer the sufferer should always be given a full examination from a doctor.

Once irritable bowel syndrome has been diagnosed the reader should now possess more knowledge to enable them to make more objective decisions regarding their own treatment.

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