Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A most commonly observed condition of the gastrointestinal tract, IBS occurs due to disturbances of intestinal motility. It is seen either as constipation or diarrhoea and the patient is distressed due to its prolonged and persistent nature despite no organic cause being identified. It is more a diagnosis of exclusion.

What causes IBS?

IBS is a functional disorder where an important component is the personality of the patient. Such patients are very anxious by nature and not infrequently, an episode of IBS is precipitated by psychological stress. There may be other traits like fastidiousness, chronic worry, compulsive nature, pessimism and these tend to maintain the disorder over a period of time.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Chronic constipation.

Chronic, intermittent watery stools especially in the morning.

Lower abdominal pain, often crampy in nature better after passing stools.

Mucus in stools.

Alternate constipation and diarrhoea.

Bloating and rumbling in the abdomen.

Despite years of chronicity of symptoms there is no deterioration or change in symptomatology of the patient.

How to treat IBS?

After appropriate evaluation, once a diagnosis of IBS is confirmed,

Reassurance is the single most important factor to relieve anxiety of patient and convince him of the functional nature of the disease.

In patients with constipation, inclusion of adequate fibre in the diet is essential. As is intake of enough water to help pass soft stools.

Other allied therapeutic measures may be undertaken to allay the anxiety of the patient.

How can Homoeopathy help the patient with IBS?

Stress relief is a natural consequence of Homoeopathic treatment and the effects of stress on the body can be effectively mitigated by the action of the suitable remedy. The patient experiences relief in his symptoms as also in his attitude which becomes more relaxed and easy going over a period of time. Clinical improvement is but an inevitable accompaniment.