Abdominal pain is one of the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a medical condition that affects the large intestine. This story discusses how abdominal pain is related to IBS, and other facts on the condition.
Most people are inflicted with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); the most common being abdominal pain. However, this symptom is just a small part of the trouble which this disorder may put a person into.
Although the symptoms may seem intimidating, and intolerable, the condition is not known to cause any permanent abdominal damage or serious threat to health. A few people have reported to have experienced severe signs and symptoms. Although the condition has no cure, it can be managed by some changes in diet and lifestyle, and controlling stress.
Why Does IBS Cause Abdominal Pain?
Medical experts have no specific theory that can explain the presence of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome. But what they believe is, the symptom could be a manifestation of abnormal intestinal contractions that is most likely to occur in IBS.
These contractions could occur in the form of spasms and internal paralysis thus, disrupting the normal coordination of muscular activity. And because of this, food may move either slower or faster than normal through the large intestine.
According to what doctors have noticed, this symptom of IBS could become worse and subside over months or years. In some cases, the same could last even for decades.
What Indicates IBS and What Causes It?
The symptoms caused by this condition tend to mimic those of other medical conditions. Also know that the symptoms are not the same with everyone, and vary widely from patient to patient.
Apart from abdominal pain or cramping, other symptoms that may surface include flatulence, bloated feeling, stomach disorders such as constipation and diarrhea, and stool smothered in mucus. Such symptoms, according to most experts, usually occur between the ages of 20 and 30.
Although, these symptoms do not follow a continuous pattern, they tend to surface and subside in bouts, especially during stress or post eating certain foods. IBS usually cause mild symptoms in people, but it is not limited to them. Severe symptoms may include abnormal weight loss, bleeding from anus, anemia, and a lump in the abdomen.
These symptoms warrant further tests to determine the severity of the condition.
One of the most probable reasons of IBS not having a cure is its idiopathic nature. Meaning, the condition has no specific causes. But what experts know is that, some sort of disruption in the normal digestion process in the body contributes largely to the development of IBS.
Food may move in the intestines faster than normal thus, causing diarrhea as one of the symptoms. Reversely, food may move slower, and cause constipation and other symptoms. Having abnormal serotonin (a chemical that influences digestion) levels is also thought to be linked with irritable bowel syndrome in most people.
Symptomatic Treatment
The main goal of the treatment is to manage and relief the symptoms, and to help the sufferer to lead a normal life. Note that no single treatment for the condition produces best results for everyone. The patient has to work with his/her doctor and decide what's best.
# For managing abdominal pain that is accompanied by diarrhea, doctors may provide the patient with lower dosages of antidepressant medications. As the pain could also be caused by spasms as explained already, anticholinergic medications or antispasmodics could be prescribed too. These drugs help relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines thus, manage pain in the abdomen.
# Fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) are also administered to help manage constipation.
# To control diarrhea, the patient may be recommended to take prescription-strength anti-diarrheal drugs.
# Antibiotics could also be recommended, but its role in treating IBS is still under study.
# Drugs which are specifically used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome are Alosetron (Lotronex) {a nerve receptor}, and Lubiprostone (Amitiza) {for adults}.
Self-Care Measures
# Changes in the diet and lifestyle, as mentioned, also provide a great deal of help in keeping the symptoms from getting worse. A diet dedicated to IBS involves increasing the intake of fiber. As fiber may worsen gas and abdominal pain, it is advised to go for a gradual increase in the amount, over a period of a few weeks.
Also, to manage diarrhea or constipation, soluble fiber (found in oats, rye, barley, bananas, apples, root vegetables, etc.) works better than the insoluble one (found in whole grain bread, bran, cereals, nuts and certain seeds, etc.).
# Apart from taking medications, using a heating pad could also provide relief from bouts of abdominal pain. Heat helps relax stomach muscles, and prevents cramping.
# Avoid alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverage, dairy products, sugar-free sweeteners, and gas producing foods such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. All such food items tend to act as triggers for worsening the signs and symptoms. Fatty foods must also be kept away from the menu.
# What most people fail to follow is to take their meals at a regular time. Skipping meals or eating at irregular hours, may put the bowel function in jeopardy. So take your meals on time.
# Develop the habit of drinking at least eight cups of fluid a day including water, and other non-caffeinated drinks.
# Cut down on the intake of tea and coffee; best it is to avoid them in case you have a serious form of IBS.
# Bloating, and flatulence can be relieved by regular intake of oat-based breakfast.
To conclude, never ignore the benefit which you may derive from inculcating regular exercises. They may not only help you manage depression and stress, but also help manage irritable bowel syndrome. Apart from making changes in diet and lifestyle, and taking medications, some people may also require the aid of psychological therapy if their IBS is more of a stress-induced medical condition.