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| printer friendly | IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) is a painful and disabling abdominal illness, characterised by frequent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort associated with disturbances in defecation which might be either constipation, diarrhoea or a combination of the two. Sufferers also frequently complain of a variety of other symptoms, especially fatigue, breathlessness, headaches, indigestion, backache, anxiety and depression. It is one aspect of a spectrum of medically unexplained illnesses that are perhaps best regarded as visceral responses to unresolved emotional tension. As such there is a strong overlap with other illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia and many others. Symptoms are commonly brought on by life changes, and difficult life situations, but they may also be triggered by food. Sometimes the illness appears to be instigated by an attack of gastroenteritis, but this association is more likely if a person is anxious or depressed at the time of the acute illness. Physiological studies show enhanced gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity in some patients. Symptoms may be alleviated with antispasmodics, such as Colofac and Spasmonal, and with bowel regulators, such as Imodium and Fybogel. Severe and chronic illness is often unresponsive to such treatments, but may show improvement and resolution with more holistic therapies, such as psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and complementary therapies. For most people, IBS is a fairly benign condition that tends to recur at times of change, but for some it is profoundly disabling, ruling their lives and confining them to their homes. Medical text last written January 2003 by Professor N W Read, Consultant Physician and Psychotherapist, Chairman of Trustees for the IBS Network. Further Online Resources
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