What is IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome presents as irregular bowel habits combined with intermittent abdominal pains. There are muscles in the gut wall which propel the partially digested food forward: if there are problems with the co-ordination of these contractions, the result can be various combinations of pain, diarrhea and constipation. The condition is also sometimes called irritable colon syndrome and spastic colon.
The symptoms of this tend to subside and even disappear for lengths of time, but the problem is often a reoccurring one through out life. While not life threatening, it can cause considerable discomfort. Younger to middle aged women are most likely to develop the condition, but it can effect anyone.
The estimate is that about a third of the population have the symptoms of IBS at some time in their life and 13 percent will do so regularly; they include cramp like pain in the abdomen, swelling of the abdomen, general malaise, back pain and feeling fullness halfway through a meal. There may also be excessive wind. Other symptoms may include feelings of faintness, a reduced appetite and tiredness, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, a feeling of bowels not being evacuated properly after a bowel movement and nausea.
Causes.
A lack of fiber in the diet is a major contributing factor also Anxiety and food intolerance, are also thought to be factors. There is no abnormality of the structure of the abdomen.
Orthodox treatment.
The faeces may be examined and a sigmoidoscopy may be needed ( viewing the colon through an instrument passed up the anus) to eliminate any more serious conditions which have similar symptoms such as Crohn’s disease or IBD and cancer of the bowel there may also be examination of the gut using a barium meal with x-ray, conventional treatment may include:
Short course of ant-diarrhoeal drugs may be given, and also anti-depressants.
Antispasmodic drugs may help relieve muscular spasms.
Tests for lactose intolerance, gut infections and any food allergies.
Natural medicine treatment can include the use of: herbal medicine, nutritional advice, acupuncture, and homeopathy.
At Acu-Care Naturopathics, I regularly treat IBS symptoms using a combination of homeopathy western herbal medicine supplements and of course acupuncture.
Regardless of your medically diagnosed condition natural medicine has something to offer either as a stand alone treatment or as complementary treatment along side orthodox treatment.
The Acu-Care Naturopathic clinic is suitably located for many of Perth’s suburbs and is particularly handy for; Belmont, south perth, vic park, lathlain, Carlisle, kewdale, rivervale, redcliffe, Burswood, and cloverdale.
To find out more about acupuncture and how it can help you call 9478-1415 or better still make an appointment today.
Best of health
Paul Neilson