INTRODUCTION OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
IBS stand for Irritable bowel syndrome, it is a gastrointestinal disorder.
According to Ayurveda concept, Irritable bowel syndrome can be equated with Grahani Roga. According to Ayurveda,in case of Duodenal disease(Gahani roga) duodenum expels even undigested food from body.
According to modern concept, duodenal disease can be equated with sprue or malabsorption syndrome. When the absorption of vitamins, minerals, fat, glucose is not done properly in small intestine and water absorption not done properly in large intestine due to some factors, then the patient passes in large quantity liquid stool two or more times in a day this is called sprue or malabsorption syndrome.
IBS characterised by recurring bloating, abdominal pain, spasm and changes in bowel movements.
CAUSES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
The exact cause of IBS in unknown, but some factors are included in this due to which this disease occurs.
-Inflammation of small intestine.
-Sensitive nerves in the gastrointestinal tract.
-Muscle contractions are abnormal in gastrointestinal tract.
-Hormonal imbalance in body.
-Mental stress.
-Negative attitude.
-Increased food intolerance or sensitivities.
-Improper and deficient diet.
-Deficiency of Intrinsic Haematinic enzymes.
-Deficiency of Pyridoxine or Nicotinic acid, Folic acid, Riboflavin.
SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME–
-Recurrent abdominal pain and spasm.
-Indigestion, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation.
-Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Bloating and Gas.
-Motions three or more times in the morning.
-Evacuation of undigested food or stool.
-Fatty and liquid stool (because fat and water absorption is not done properly in gastrointestinal tract).
-Weakness- due to improper absorption of water, vitamins, fat, glucose.
-Fatigue, weight loss, Dryness of skin.
-Pallor and Anaemia (low blood count).
-Patient feels incomplete evacuation.
-Urgency of defecation.
-Mucus in stool.
PREVENTIONS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Things to follow
-Eat fresh food and fresh fruits.
-Stay hydrated, it helps in the proper digestion of food.
-Include about 3gm of fiber in your diet every day (such as beans, oats, fruits, whole grains and vegetables).
-Eat easily digested food and avoid the food which is difficult to digest.
-Exercise- for about 30 to 40 minutes every day.
-Increase your fibre intake and drink plenty of fluids and probiotics.
Things to avoid
-Avoid the mental stress.
-Avoid the tea, coffee, alcohol, smoking and other drugs.
-Avoid high sugar content such as-chocolate, candy, cold drinks etc.
-Avoid sedentary lifestyle.
-Avoid processed and fatty foods.
-Don’t skip meals.
DIAGNOSIS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Diagnosis of IBS involves physical examination, medical history and diagnostic tests.
Medical history-symptoms (Abdominal pain, bowel habits etc.)
-duration
-food habits, motions etc.
Physical examination- per abdomen-palpation to check for tenderness.
-per rectum-check for anal fissures or haemorrhoids.
Diagnostic tests- stool culture to rule out bacterial infection.
-Ova and parasite exam to rule out parasitic infection.
-Endoscopy or colonoscopy to rule out structural abnormalities
TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Vitamin B complex, Folic acid.
-Calcium suplimente to treat calcium deficiency.
-Liver tonics and Hepato protective drugs- Livo savior.
-Ayurvedic treatment for IBS- will depends on Agni (digestive fire).
Medicines- Medication may be prescribed to improve –gastrointestinal tract functions and to improve digestion and better absorption, for example medication such as- Livo savior, Triphala Guggul (for indigestion, constipation), Kutajghan vati, Chitrakadi vati.
CONCLUSION
IBS is a complex disorder characterised by recurring abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel movements, maintaining a healthy diet to prevent IBS and treatment depends on better digestion and absorption. If you are struggling with such a problem then definitely consult your health care professional.
