Study Confirms IBS Improvement

Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which affects 10-20% of the population. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function such as constipation, diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some people have occasional symptoms, which can be aggravated by stress or food intolerances. Others experience crippling symptoms, and struggle to maintain their quality of life in the absence of any targeted, effective pharmaceutical treatments.

This disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, although women are predominantly affected. Severe IBS can dramatically restrict mobility, through loss of control of bowel function and severe abdominal pain. These symptoms contribute to IBS being second only to the common cold as the most frequent cause of absenteeism from work and school.

Despite the significant impact on individuals and the population at large, there is no clear established cause for IBS. Whilst medical investigations are important to eliminate the possibility of an over-lapping pathology such as parasites, candida, inflammatory bowel disease, cealiacs or Crohn's disease, there is no specific investigation which patients can test positive for in order to confirm a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A diagnosis of IBS is more often a diagnosis of exclusion ? if its not another gastrointestinal condition, and it fits the symptom picture of IBS, then it is IBS.

The current accepted criteria for diagnosing IBS is the Rome criteria (adopted in medical texts and by the American Gastroenterological Association). Their definition of IBS consists of:

At least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two of three features:

• Relieved with defecation and/or

• Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool and/or

• Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool.

The following symptoms support the diagnosis of IBS:

• Abnormal bowel movement frequency (more than three per day or less than three per week),

• Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/water),

• Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation),

• Mucous passed with stools,

• Abdominal bloating or distension.

There are few effective treatments for IBS. Pharmaceutical medications include anti-diarrheal agents and laxatives, some of which can be harmful if used repeatedly. Significant improvements can be made through dietary changes which can therefore reducing some trigger factors for IBS. It is also important to practice some stress reduction techniques such as breathing techniques, and positive psychology, as there is a direct link between stress and an aggravation of IBS symptoms.

The most promising, long-lasting and side-effect free results in the treatment of IBS were based on a large clinical trial conducted at an Australian university, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998.

These results demonstrated a 64-76% improvement rate on all measures of IBS such as abdominal pain, distention and bowel habits. These results were achieved in a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial conducted by gastroenterologists and doctors. The remarkable positive results were achieved in the treatment group that received Chinese herbal treatments. This same formula can be purchased as pre-made capsules from select retailers, and it offers great hope for those struggling with IBS.

Dr. Maia Dodds is the author of 'The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improvement Program'

See www.irritablebowelsyndromeip.com for details, further research and articles.

Write directly at maia@irritablebowelsyndromeip.com

About The Author

Dr. Maia Dodds works in private practice in Melbourne, Australia. Her specific interest areas are gastroenterology and she has recently completed a book: 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improvement Program'.

---

Antibiotics and Bowel Flora

The word Antibiotic is constructed from Greek words anti, which... Read More

Lamisil Side Effects Lawyer: Lamisil Tablet

While the recent Lamisil commercial featuring Digger, a disgusting cartoon... Read More

Vioxx Recall leads to Vioxx Lawsuits

Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammagory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation,... Read More

Medical Billing Software Takes the Stage

Medical Billing SoftwareThe practice is running smoothly, with patients coming... Read More

Lunesta Memory Problems

Lunesta may be the only sleeping pill that is FDA... Read More

Tomorrow Well Have Rabbit Feet; Cloning

I am not sure where I'm at with this subject... Read More

10 Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain Relief

Your Remedy No. 1 ==============Stretch Gently for Strength and Mobility.When... Read More

Check Out The Wonders Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is the essential oil comes from the... Read More

Hypnotherapy as a Treatment for IBS

Hypnotherapy is one of the best known and most widely... Read More

Increasing Patient Care and Reducing Liability in Seven Simple Steps

When an unconscious patient arrives in the ED, every hospital... Read More

ADHD - Are there Treatment Options?

As an ADD coach I am often asked about the... Read More

The True Meaning of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is... Read More

Army Report Validates Prediction of Vaccine-Induced Epidemic

"The more we do to you, the less you seem... Read More

Antibiotics 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know

IntroductionAntibiotics are said to be the greatest contribution of modern... Read More

Find a Doctor

How to find a doctor? There's no magical route to... Read More

The Right Stethoscope For Your Needs!

Just about all health care providers have need of stethoscopes.... Read More

The P Value And Its Significance

When diversifying an investment portfolio, one needs to consider investing... Read More

Which Drug Addiction Treatment is the Best?

The answer is simple: there is no such thing as... Read More

22 Inside Tips on How You Can Make Your Arthritis Medicines Work Twice as Effectively in Half the..

This report will give you 22 important tips to make... Read More

Benign Tumors Of The Cervix

Endocervical polypsEndocervical polyps are the most common benign neoplasms of... Read More

Overview of FDA Recalled Drug - BEXTRA

Bextra, also known as valdecoxib, is a... Read More

How To Save Money On Prescription Medications

If you are a regular user of prescription medications, you... Read More

The Basic First Aid for Child Care Programs

We cannot help but accept the fact that children do... Read More

Hypertension & High Blood Pressure: How To Improve Life Threatening Weight-Related Diseases

The American Heart Association estimates that one of three Americans... Read More

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer Says: Get Help

SJS is an allergic reaction to certain medications that can... Read More

Root Canal Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

OverviewA diseased or injured nerve use to mean that you... Read More

Over Medication; Grandma is on Drugs

It is very interesting this hypochondriac attitude which permeates our... Read More

Signs of Suicide : Learn What They are and How to Deal with Them

The true numbers are probably much higher because many suicides... Read More

Redux Lawyer Discusses Fen-Phen Fad

In the early nineties, Redux was the original miracle diet... Read More

Why Drug Companies are Naughty and 5 Remedies to Cure the Symptoms

With the hum of the election campaign and the debate... Read More

The Pain Factor

Last year I told an acquaintance that at the age... Read More

Lunesta Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Lunesta is a newly released sleeping pill. Marketed as a... Read More

Healthcare Providers -- Its Time for Your Physical

I think this is a good time for a checkup,... Read More