What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common intestinal disorder. It afflicts 10–20 percent of adults in parts of the developed world, and twice as many women as men. It often starts in early adulthood and, although distressing, is not life-threatening. Formerly known as irritable colon syndrome or spastic colon, IBS tends to be intermittent.

Symptoms 
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea.
• Cramping pains in the lower abdomen and sometimes the feeling of not having emptied the bowel on passing stools.
• Production of copious amounts of flatulence, the passing of which usually brings relief.

Causes 
There may be several causes of IBS. The basic one is a disturbance in the action of the large intestinal muscle. This may be the result of stress at work or due to emotional upset, for example, or of fear, such as that of serious illness. It may be the result of a low-fiber diet or an intolerance of wheat, corn, dairy products, fruits, tea, coffee, or vegetables. IBS may also be due to an overgrowth of organisms such as Candida albicans in the digestive tract, to the excessive use of laxatives, or to spinal maladjustment that affects nerves serving the digestive system.

Conventional care
IBS is treated with antispasmodic drugs and other painkillers, antidiarrheal drugs, and a high-fiber diet. Counseling may be recommended for those suffering from stress. Diagnosis is made after ruling out the possibility of other ailments with similar symptoms, such as ulcerative colitis or cancer. A physical examination may include the passing of an instrument into the anus and colon—a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy—or a barium enema, which outlines the inside of the intestine.

Homeopathic medicine
A homeopathic practitioner will take a full medical history, paying particular attention to food preferences and IBS triggers. Constitutional remedies will be determined largely by an individual’s symptoms , but certain remedies have an affinity with the colon. Argentum nit. is indicated for irritation of the mucous membranes of the intestine and problems with the control of the gut by the autonomic nervous system. Cantharis is associated with inflammation of the whole gastrointestinal tract, especially the lower bowel. Colocynthis is also used to treat irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Other constitutional remedies often used are Arsen. alb., Carbo veg., Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, and China. Remedies for acute symptoms include Argentum nit., for excessive flatulence, constipation alternating with diarrhea, pain in the left, upper abdomen, mucus in the stools, fluttering in the stomach, and great apprehension. Colocynthis is prescribed for griping pains that are relieved by bending double or applying pressure to the abdomen, and that are associated with anger. Cantharis is particularly suitable for treating women who have burning abdominal pains, cystitis, great thirst, nausea, and vomiting.

Lifestyle
Relaxation techniques will help stress-related problems. Fluid intake should be increased, but alcohol consumption reduced. Regular meals and exercise are both essential. If a particular food is believed to aggravate the condition, it should be eliminated from the diet for at least four days, and then reintroduced and symptoms observed. A nutritionist can advise about this and dietary changes that might be beneficial. An osteopath or physiotherapist may be able to help if there is spinal maladjustment.

C A U T I O N
• If symptoms are associated with persistent weight loss, consult a doctor.
• If there is fever and blood in the feces, see a doctor within 12 hours.
• Symptoms should be investigated promptly in patients over 50 in order to rule out cancer.