Skip to main content

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects between 10 and 20% of people in the UK. Everyone has tummy trouble at one time or another. The difference with IBS is that bouts of diarrhoea, constipation, or both, keep coming back. 

Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS has a range of symptoms, most commonly: stomach ache and a change in bowel habits. You may have; diarrhoea, constipation, or both, cramps in the lower abdomen, frequent toilet trips, hard or loose stools, excess wind and a visibly bloated tummy.
Symptoms often worsen after eating. Some people have related issues such as urinary or sexual problems. IBS is usually diagnosed as one of three types: 'diarrhoea predominant', 'constipation predominant', or an alternating pattern of both, depending on the symptoms.
What causes IBS?
The specific cause of IBS is not known but it's associated with increased sensitivity in the digestive system, perhaps triggered by a bout of food poisoning or stress. The nerves relay information to the brain signalling hunger, fullness or the need to go to the toilet. In IBS, it's thought these signals may be misread, causing abnormal intestinal muscle contractions, or spasms.

Who's at risk of IBS?
IBS often starts between 20 and 30 years of age, even though it is also prevalent in older people and anyone at any age can be affected. It's twice as common in women and more likely to affect people with a family history of IBS. Fits of IBS are sometimes linked to bouts of anxiety or depression.

Living with IBS
Living with IBS can take a heavy toll on your everyday life. Coping with attacks of frequent, urgent diarrhoea, may make you reluctant to go out and it may be especially difficult to commute to work or travel long distances by car or by air. Explore ways to reduce stress. Planning can help. Find out where the toilets are if you are headed to an event. 

What triggers IBS?
Common triggers of IBS include: eating certain food or drink, stress, hormonal changes and certain medicines. It's important to identify your personal triggers, for example, by keeping a food diary to record what sets off a bout of IBS. 

Treating IBS: Constipation medication
Your doctor may prescribe a bulk-forming laxative that increases the density and softness of the stool making it easier to pass. NICE recommends that people should be discouraged from taking Lactulose, an osmotic laxative.

Treating IBS: Peppermint oil
Some people use peppermint oil as a natural remedy for IBS. The oil is antispasmodic and relaxes the muscles in the bowels, and some studies suggest it may improve symptoms, including pain and bloating.

Comments

Post a Comment

Followers

Popular posts from this blog

Incredible Benefits of Getting a Good Night's Sleep

In today's fast-paced world, where we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities and tasks, sleep is often sacrificed in the pursuit of productivity. However, this approach is counterproductive, as sleep plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. A good night's sleep is not just a luxury; it's a necessity that offers a wide range of benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health.  Let us delve into the incredible benefits that come with prioritizing and getting the sleep we need. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Sleep is essential for optimal brain function. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and clears out unnecessary neural connections. This enhances our ability to learn, make decisions, solve problems, and think creatively. A good night's sleep ensures that your mind is sharp, focused, and ready to tackle challenges effectively. Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being: Lack of sleep is closely linked to m...
5 comments
Read more

Environmental Hazards in the Workplace

Workplace safety is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient environment. Environmental hazards can pose significant risks, affecting health, productivity, and overall well-being. Understanding and mitigating these hazards is essential for creating a safe work environment. Let’s explore seven common environmental hazards that can impact employee health and safety: Chemical Hazards: These can be found in various workplaces, including construction sites, factories, laboratories, and offices. Examples include exposure to hazardous chemicals like lead or asbestos. Prevention Tips: ·        Use proper ventilation systems. ·          Implement strict safety protocols for handling and storing chemicals. ·          Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. Biological Hazards: These arise from exposure to living organisms that can cause disease or illn...
Post a Comment
Read more

Telemedicine and Digital Health: The Future of Healthcare

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is transforming healthcare, making it more accessible and convenient. One of the biggest advancements in recent years is telemedicine and digital health . These innovations are revolutionizing how patients receive medical care, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving healthcare efficiency. In this article, we will explore telemedicine, its benefits, and how it is shaping the future of healthcare. What is Telemedicine? Telemedicine refers to the use of digital technology to provide medical consultations, diagnoses, and treatments remotely. Instead of visiting a hospital or clinic, patients can now consult with doctors through video calls, phone calls, or mobile apps. This method of healthcare delivery is becoming increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption. Benefits of Telemedicine Convenience and Accessibility – Telemedicine allows patients to consult with doctors from the comfort of their...
Post a Comment
Read more