Tummy Troubles - symptoms and treatment

Ever heard of irritable bowel syndrome? If cramps in the tummy are common place for you, it’s about time you learnt more about it. That bothersome tummy ache may be more than just your everyday indigestion. Let’s talk about some.

Is that terrible tummy ache taking the wind out of your sails? Making you sleepless, stressed, and irritable? Well, it’s not just your mind that is irritated but something deep down in your belly your bowel! Get up and get cracking, because it might be a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also known as spastic colon, IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating in the stomach, constipation or diarrhea and alteration of bowel habits. However, IBS does not permanently harm the intestines. And you can control the symptoms by consuming the right diet, managing your stress and following the right medicine regimen. Here’s how;





Signs to watch out for

There are no specific causes that lead to IBS. It is most often a result of a sensitive colon or large intestine. Here’s what you must watch out for

Irritation in the large intestine
Loose motions for 10 -12 weeks in a year
Recurring tummy ache
Bleeding/spotting in the stool
Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom
Significant weight loss in a very short span of time
Recent changes in bowel habits
Depression, stress, anxiety


Stress and IBS

It might sound strange but stress can stimulate colon spasms in people suffering from IBS. It happens because the colon has several nerves control the contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort when we are stressed. Now you know where those cramps come from? Stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Here’s how to manage it:

Stress reduction training and relaxation therapies such as meditation in conjunction with medical aid
Regular exercise, such as walking or yoga
Changes to the stressful situations


Tummy treatments

IBS has no specific treatment but there are certain ways in which you can alleviate the problem. Most important, the patient and the doctor must share a good relationship. The doctor should be able to calm the patient down and tell him/her there is no reason to panic. Patients suffering from IBS are often called “doctor bargainers” because they tend to change their doctors often, thinking someone would have the remedy! However, what they must understand is that it’s not a disease but a functional disorder. Certain drugs can help ease this tummy troubler, so do consult your doctor. Following the correct guidelines can help you go a long way in treating the problem. Let it go!

Chennai Times February 27 2009