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Irritable bowel syndrome

 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It's characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or constipation).


Common symptoms of IBS include:

- Abdominal pain or cramping

- Bloating and gas

- Changes in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation)

- Changes in stool appearance

- Mucus in the stool

- Urgency to have a bowel movement

- Incomplete evacuation


The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it's believed to be related to:

- Gut motility and sensitivity

- Inflammation and immune system responses

- Stress and hormonal changes

- Food intolerances and dietary factors


While there is no cure for IBS, symptoms can be managed through:

- Dietary changes (avoiding trigger foods, following a low-FODMAP diet)

- Stress management techniques (meditation, yoga, therapy)

- Medications (antispasmodics, antidepressants, laxatives)

- Lifestyle modifications (exercise, hydration, regular bowel habits)


There are several types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including:


1. IBS-D (IBS-Diarrhea): characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and frequent bowel movements.

2. IBS-C (IBS-Constipation): characterized by constipation, abdominal pain, and infrequent bowel movements.

3. IBS-M (IBS-Mixed): combines symptoms of both IBS-D and IBS-C, with alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

4. IBS-U (IBS-Unsubtyped): does not fit into any of the above categories, with symptoms that are not clearly defined.

5. Post-Infectious IBS (PI-IBS): develops after a gastrointestinal infection, such as food poisoning or a viral infection.

6. Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS-F): characterized by inflammation in the gut, which can lead to chronic symptoms.

7. Functional Dyspepsia (IBS-FD): characterized by upper abdominal pain and discomfort, often accompanied by nausea and bloating.


It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.


Common medications for IBS:

- Antispasmodics: for abdominal pain and bloating

- Laxatives: for constipation

- Antidiarrheal medications: for diarrhea

- Eluxadoline (Viberzi): for IBS-D

- Linaclotide (Linzess) and Plecanatide (Trulance): for IBS-C

- Tenapanor (Ibsrela): for IBS-C

- Pregabalin (Lyrica): for pain, bloating and diarrhea symptoms

- Rifaximin (Xifaxan): for IBS-D

- Lubiprostone (Amitiza): for IBS-C in women

- Alosetron (Lotronex): for IBS-D in women

- Loperamide (Imodium A-D): for diarrhea symptoms

- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: for IBS pain

- Bile acid sequestrants: for diarrhea

- Coated peppermint oil capsules: for IBS pain


Ayurvedic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes the following :

- Ayurvedic Formulations: These are herbal formulations that help with digestion and other IBS symptoms.

- Nidana Parivarjana: This involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, yoga and meditation restrictions.

- Panchakarma: This is a detox treatment that includes enemas to cleanse the colon and provide it with nourishment. Panchakarma therapies include:

Abhyanga: A massage with Ayurvedic oils

Shirodhara: A warm oil treatment on the forehead

Chakra basti: A warm oil treatment on the naval and other points

- Agnidipana: This is the regulation of the digestive fire through the reduction of undigested toxins.

- Vatanulomana: This is the correction of the Vata dosha.

- Manonukulata: This treatment relaxes a person and treats the underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to IBS.

- Shodhan: This is a detoxification process that involves converting harmful substances into beneficial ones.

- Shaman: This is a therapy that aims to heal and revitalize the body after detoxification.


Investigations for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) :


1. _Medical History_: A thorough review of symptoms, dietary habits, and bowel movements.

2. _Physical Exam_: A physical examination to rule out other conditions.

3. _Stool Tests_: To check for infection, inflammation, or malabsorption.

4. _Endoscopy_: A flexible tube with a camera to visualize the inside of the colon and rule out other conditions.

5. _Colonoscopy_: A flexible tube with a camera to visualize the entire colon.

6. _Barium Enema_: A liquid containing barium is inserted into the rectum to visualize the colon.

7. _Upper GI Series_: A liquid containing barium is drunk to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

8. _Breath Tests_: To check for lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

9. _Blood Tests_: To rule out celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions.

10. _Rome Criteria_: A set of criteria used to diagnose IBS based on symptoms and duration.

11. _Gastrointestinal Transit Tests_: To assess the movement of food through the digestive system.

12. _Anorectal Manometry_: To assess the function of the muscles in the anus and rectum.


These investigations help rule out other conditions and support a diagnosis of IBS. However, it's important to note that IBS is a functional disorder, and there is no specific test to diagnose it.

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Location: India

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