Medical Questions » Gut (Intestines) Questions » Question No. 432
| Question: | Can you tell me about the Irritable Bowel Syndrome? This is the diagnosis my doctor has given me after doing all sorts of tests on me. |
| Answer: | People with tense personalities or continuing stress will find that their ' stomach is in knots' . This is merely the sensation that the intestine is acting more rapidly than is necessary due to the over-stimulation of the nervous system.
Over a number of years, the combination of a low-fibre diet, anxiety, stress and hereditary factors may lead to the development of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This syndrome is characterised by abdominal pain caused by intense spasms of the bowel muscle, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, passage of wind by mouth and anus, nausea, loss of appetite and mucus on the stools. Once established, the pattern may be very difficult to break, as the symptoms cause further anxiety in the victim, which in turn exacerbates the original symptoms.
There are no definite tests to prove the presence of the syndrome, and so all other causes of the symptoms must be excluded by exhaustive tests.
Once diagnosed, the treatment consists of a diet high in fibre and low in dairy products and processed foods. High-fibre dietary supplements are often recommended. Regular meal and toilet habits should be established, and tobacco and alcohol intake should be restricted.
The usual course is for the syndrome to occur intermittently over many years. The continued attention by a sympathetic doctor is necessary for all sufferers because the greater the confidence the patient has in the treatment and the doctor, the more likely the regime is to succeed. |
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