Health Tourism News

Are you troubled by irritable and burning sensation in the stomach? Do you feel the need to rush to the toilet a bit too often? If the answer to these questions is a YES, then you are probably suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a treatable medical condition characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain.  It is not life threatening but symptoms overlap with those of intestinal diseases like colitis.  Globally, 5-20% of the people suffer from IBS.  Young adults between 20 and 40 years are more at risk because of sudden change in diet and lifestyle habits. 

Symptoms:
• Abdominal pain, often relieved by defecation or flatulence. 
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating or swelling of abdomen.
• Rumbling noises and excessive flatulence.
• Constant rush to go to toilet
• Right-sided abdominal pain
• Mucus in stool
• Minor symptoms: indigestion, headache, nausea, frequent urination, fatigue, anxiety.

Causes:
• Food poisoning
• Repeated/prolonged use of antibiotics
• Stress

Caution:
• Some patients cannot digest dairy products and certain food grains.
• Alcohol, coffee, oily food and spices can aggravate symptoms
• Symptoms worsen with stress, lack of sleep and during menstrual period.

Treatment:
• Most patients don’t require restrictive diets or too many medications.
• Treatment consists of a simple diet and lifestyle adjustments, with medication for 6-12 weeks.
• Fibre supplements help soften stools in constipation cases.
Precautions:
• Those who develop abdominal pain and urge to go to the toilet after eating spicy foods or drinking coffee should avoid or reduce intake of those substances.
• Pay attention to the effects for stress and lifestyle
• Eat and sleep on time
• Practice yoga and meditation
• Discuss underlying reasons for anxiety.