Overview

In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating relieved by defecation and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

Treatment for IBS can include dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important.

Several conditions may present as IBS including celiac disease, mild infections, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation and chronic functional abdominal pain. In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, though the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as balloon insufflation testing. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The most common theory is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gut, although there may also be abnormalities in the gut flora or the immune system.

Great Tips to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel Syndrome can be very irritating especially when the person suffers from its symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Since, this trouble is not considered as fatal, professionals feel that one can easily cop up with the problem.

Prevention is better than cure. It is better to act wisely and take steps to prevent irritable bowel syndrome on time. After all, living with a condition that"s painful and affects daily routine is not worth it. The worse part is that you may even have to experience some real embarrassing situation. Remember that it is a chronic disease and you may have to live with it. It can even become a life-long experience.

Here are some techniques and tips that can help you prevent the occurrence or even reoccurrence of the symptoms.

First, you need to stay away from foods that trigger off this chronic problem. Foods with high fat content are an absolute no-no. These foods are capable of interrupting in the normal functioning of the intestines. These create reduced movements of the muscles. Under these circumstances, more gas is produced as the bacteria tend to act upon the component digestion in order to accomplish the task.

Second, have a lot of fluids, mainly water. This will cleanse your system. Do not take caffeinated drinks, tea or carbonated drinks. Good amount of fluid will maintain intestinal tract. Besides, fluids also help a lot in breaking down digested foods in the lower portions of the digestive system. This makes it easier for the body to digest the food. It also facilitates in replenishing water in case, dehydration is caused due to diarrhea.

Focus on doing exercising regularly. Here, you don"t need to work out hard at gym for hours or build up a muscular body (it"s great if you can do it!) but to work out at a certain intensity regularly. Even brisk walking on a daily basis will do. This will create healthy effects on your body and also help you to regulate abnormal movements of your intestinal tract.

Another great thing to do is to learn certain techniques for stress management in order to reduce the anxiety you may face. Keep tabs on your diet on a regular basis. Eat smaller portions of food. Instead of having three large meals in a day, try to have 3-5 smaller meals in a day.

Deep breathing is really important. You should act calmly while breathing from your diaphragm. This is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. When you inhale, try to allow your belly to expand. Let it contract naturally when you exhale. Deep breathing facilitates relaxing your abdominal muscles. This results in a natural bowel activity.

Relax for at least twenty minutes in a day for any activity that you find relaxing. You can indulge in reading, dancing, listening to music, playing computer games, shopping etc.

Yoga and meditation can also help a lot. Try to pamper yourself by a good massage.

Last but not the least; you should know when to contact a doctor. Go for an expert consultation as soon as you show up warning signs or find something wrong with you digestive system.

Autor: Bertil B Hjert

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about Irritable Bowel Syndrome please visit IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICE and ACID REFLUX EXPERT


Added: December 18, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Great-Tips-to-Prevent-I~

Effective Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel Syndrome is a medical condition that can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient. The worst part is that the condition is chronic. There are several discomforts one can face due to the irritable bowel syndrome condition. Some of these include pain in the stomach, diarrhea, constipation, feeling of fullness, indigestion, flatulence, a feeling of emptying stomach and a lot more.

As soon as you notice some of the above mentioned symptoms, you need to take medical help. This will work towards treating the problem at an early stage and let you get immediate and long lasting relief.

Visiting a physician will let you know whether you are actually affected by the disease. The disease is diagnosed via analyzing the medical history of the patient and also by looking at the symptoms covered under irritable bowel syndrome.

When it comes to testing irritable bowel syndrome, there is no specific test that can diagnose the problem. The expert can make use of several tests in order to make out the presence of the disease.

One may have to go through some common tests including X-rays, blood test, stool sample testing, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Usually, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are more prevalent for testing irritable bowel syndrome.

Both these procedures are undertaken by inserting a small tube. This tube is flexible and comes with attached camera. The tube is inserted in to anus. The image is registered on the screen connected to the tube. This facilitates the physician to get a close look in to the colon.

In case, the tests are negative, the physician will diagnose you on several other symptoms that you must have experienced in last some months. Some questions will be asked related to the frequency and intensity of attacks. You may also be inquired about the consistency of stool and changes in bowel functions.

Once the condition is confirmed, most patients tend to panic. However, there is no need to react in this way because the condition can be easily treated these days. There are several treatment options available these days.

Here are some of the common treatment options available for providing relief to patients from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms:

i) Lifestyle change

This is very important for treating irritable bowel syndrome. Here, you need to take good control over what you eat. Make sure that you include fiber supplements such as Psyllium or methylcellulose with fluids in order to facilitate constipation control. You should eliminate high-gas foods such as raw fruits vegetables, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower in your diet.

ii) Medication

The doctor would prescribe you anti-diarrhea and anti-cholinergic medication. You may also require to take anti-depressants medications to curb pain or depression.

iii) Counseling

In case, none of the antidepressant medications work, you may go for some counseling to eliminate stress.

iv) Natural fiber foods
It is very important to include fiber rich foods in your diet to cure irritable bowel syndrome naturally. Try to include a lot of water in your diet. This will help in finding out the toxins present inside the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated well if detected on time. Make sure that you follow advice of your medical practitioner.

Autor: Bertil B Hjert

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about Irritable Bowel Syndrome please visit IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICE and ACID REFLUX EXPERT


Added: December 17, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Effective-Treatments-fo~

Acid Reflux Disease - How To Cure It

Acid reflux is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This is a disease that"s can be characterized by a gastric content"s abnormal reflux in the esophagus. The whole process results in to certain chronic symptoms or even mucosal damage.

Most people are under the notion that there"s no cure for this disease. However, the fact is that if taken, proper care and given prime attention, this disease can be easily cured. The patient should hope for the best and keep faith in his or her healthcare practitioner.

Here are certain methods that can cure this disease if properly followed and believed in religiously. Remember that your will power will do wonders to cure any disease. Just hope that it will cure, do your best and the disease will go far off from you.

Tips to cure Acid Reflux disease:

a) Reduce Stress

This is really crucial and will do a lot in curing this disease. Stress works towards increasing the stomach acid levels inside the body and hence result in aggravating the disease further. You can do a lot of things to reduce stress in your life. Try to take up a hobby, do things that you really enjoy or work out at least for half an hour a day. This will help you a lot to combat acid reflux.

b) Drink water

You need to drink plenty of water in order to combat this disease successfully. Focus on drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. Make sure that you don"t drink anything prior to your naps during daytime or before retiring to bed. Remember that it takes the stomach at least three hours to digest the contents. Give it ample time to accomplish the task.

c) Healthy diet

You must focus on maintaining a healthy diet. Try to avoid foods or drinks that are rich in citrus juices. Completely abstain from tomatoes, citrus fruits, lemons, Mexican foods or Italian cuisine.

d) Sleeping techniques

You need to follow certain specific sleeping techniques. Don"t use more than one pillow. More pillows under your head are going to increase the acid reflux via folding the abdominal area.

e) Weight control

Control your body weight if you are serious about controlling acid reflux in your body. Start with a moderate exercise program via consulting your health care practitioner who knows about your problem.

f) Quit smoking

Smoking is an absolute no-no if you want to cure acid reflux. Smoking is known to increase the time period your stomach takes to digest.

g) Abstain from tight fitting attire

Don"t wear tight fitting clothes or accessories such as belts. Wearing tight fitting clothes will compress the abdominal area. This results in severe acid reflux levels and discomfort inside the body.

h) Say no to alcohol

Abstain from drinking alcohol, sodas, acidic drinks and carbonated water. Focus more on high fiber diets.

i) Fatty foods and oily foods

These only work towards making your acid reflux episodes more severe. Say goodbye to these.

Following the above mentioned tips will help you cure this disease.

Autor: Bertil B Hjert

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about ACID REFLUX please visit ACID REFLUX EXPERT and IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICE


Added: December 16, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Acid-Reflux-Disease---H~