Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In recent years, irritable bowel syndrome has become an increasingly common diagnosis, and patients may have been told that little can be done about this condition, although antispasmodics and laxatives are sometimes prescribed.

Sometimes also called mucus Colitis, IBS is unfortunately an extremely common condition which, because it is not associated with a general deterioration in physical health and because it presents with multiple symptomatology, tends to be treated lightly by an overworked medical profession, once life-threatening illness has been ruled out.

Treatment

Fortunately IBS can be successfully treated by the allergy therapist and of course, apart from allergies, the possibility of Candida albicans infestation and other parasites must be considered. The patient will present with some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain or spasm. Griping and cramping aches, often triggered by food and usually most severe about two hours after eating.

  • Variability of bowel function, between the extremes of diarrhoea and constipation, often with explosive diarrhoea and resulting "accidents" as much wind is also passed.
  • Pain in the rectum, often with a moist sore anus caused by a non-functioning Houston's valve (a common symptom of candidasis).
  • Abdominal bloating and belching.
  • Indigestion, and inability to finish meals.
  • Trapped wind, becoming more intense during the day.
  • Increased rumbling bowel sounds.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Backache.
  • Pain during and after sexual intercourse.
  • Feeling that the bladder is constantly full.
  • Tiredness.
  • Frequent passing of normal stools.

The patient may have been advised to ensure that the diet contains plenty of fibre and this is appropriate. Bran is not useful and should be avoided as it can be extremely irritant to the bowel mucosa, and often becomes lodged in the villi (folds in the bowel wall).

Parasites have been mentioned above, and it is possible that they may be present in the patient's water supply. A recent visit to a country where the water supply may be suspect shortly before the onset of the condition could be a possible cause.

The patient may have been exposed to toxic bacteria in food (Campylobacter, Shigella, Clostridia and others) and the patient's occupation, for instance farming, meat-processing, food preparation, handling of animals and pets, should be considered.

The administration of a probiotic containing Acidophilus, Bifidobacter, and other "friendly bacteria" is important and it may be necessary to use this for several months.

 

 

Jamie Gisby - for Allergy and Environmental Therapy in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester and South Cerney.