IBS constipation

Constipation is often associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although around 20% of the adult population are estimated to suffer from IBS, most people showing symptoms may be unaware that the condition exists.

What is IBS?

IBS is a disorder of the gut in which the sufferer experiences abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort and a change in bowel habit, without an obvious cause. IBS is called a syndrome because it involves different signs and symptoms which are all interrelated.

IBS is a painful and often distressing condition which can seriously impact the sufferer’s quality of life. It is thought that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from IBS and it is also more common in emotional and stressed people.

The severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, but the main symptoms are: abdominal pain, possibly made worse with certain foods, often felt on the left hand side constipation and/or diarrhoea (one of the commonest symptoms of IBS is the sudden onset of an urge to go) bloating/abdominal swelling		Sufferers can also experience the following symptoms: alternating diarrhoea and constipation anxiety stress feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation nausea needing to pass urine more often pain on intercourse (women only)

IBS should always be diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner, since the symptoms of IBS can resemble those of other bowel diseases. Nevertheless, doctors can usually be quite confident at diagnosing IBS on the basis of the pattern of symptoms alone and the Rome diagnostic criteria for IBS without recourse to tests to rule out every other possible condition.

IBS can start at any time, but frequently begins in early adulthood and comes and goes over the course of many years. This fact alone is an important diagnostic pointer, but you should always seek further advice if your symptoms change.

If you are concerned about your health, consult your doctor.

What causes it? Muscles in the bowel wall normally contract in a regular rhythm to move food through the digestive system. IBS symptoms occur when this rhythm is disrupted for some reason, such as: the stress of a modern lifestyle lack of dietary fibre and excess of fatty food change in bowel routine as a result of physical or emotional triggers intolerance to certain foods abdominal swelling is due to a build up of gas which causes pain and discomfort

It (IBS) was affecting my sporting activities. I couldn't get into half my clothes, and I had to miss quite a lot of work because I didn't feel well enough to sit in a chair all day and experience those symptoms.

What can I do to help?

While there is no outright 'cure' for IBS, there are various steps you can take to try and alleviate the symptoms:

1) TRY AND CHANGE YOUR DIET

Go for foods that are:

low in fat

low in sugar

high in the right sort of fibre - a balance of cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables (bran can actually make the symptoms of IBS worse)

Do:

cut down on caffeine and fizzy drinks

drink plenty of water or fruit juice

2) TRY TO RELAX

Many IBS sufferers can find relaxation a big help. There are numerous books and tapes available to help you in this.

Tried and tested techniques include:

• body awareness - concentrate on different parts of your body in turn
• tensing and relaxing each part of your body in turn
• breathing exercises
• imagery exercises - visualising yourself in a calm place
• listening to relaxing music

3) TRY A REMEDY

There are various remedies available for the treatment of the IBS related constipation, although some are only available through your doctor.

Constipation Remedies
If you are suffering constipation as a consequence of IBS - you may want to try a constipation remedy - these remedies include:

• those that relieve constipation and get your digestive system moving again e.g. those containing Senna
• those that increase soluble fibre such as bulk-forming remedies containing ispaghula husk Fybogel contains ispaghula husk and works by softening and adding bulk to the stool, making the passing of waste easier.

If dietary and lifestyle changes have not worked very well, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about treatment options. Just remember you are not alone – up to one in ten people suffer symptoms badly enough to seek medical assistance.