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'.

---

Oral Chelation ? Is It Better Than Intravenous Chelation?

Intravenous Chelation was the most common practice until a few... Read More

Accutane Side Effects Lawyer: Hair Loss, Depression, Suicide

You probably know the drug isotretinoin by its trade name,... Read More

Lunesta Withdrawal

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

Root Canal Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Naproxen Lawyer: Aleve Recall Consideration

Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More

Cut Your Prescription Drug Costs Without Having to Buy Foreign Drugs

Save Up to 93% by Asking for a Generic -... Read More

Over Medication; Grandma is on Drugs

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

Viagra Users - Overcome NAION Fear

NAION is the latest side effect linked to Viagra and... 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

Paxil Recall Lawyer Discusses Paxil Addiction

Paxil went on the market in 1992 at the height... Read More

Check Out The Wonders Of Tea Tree Oil

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

To Buy Pain Meds Online, a Dangerous Move

Many people want to buy pain meds online simply because... Read More

Patient Communication: Picking Up Where Medicine Leaves Off

We've all seen patients who were far beyond the reach... Read More

Cholesterol Prescription Medications Can Kill You

While there are numerous options for people to lower cholesterol... Read More

Powerful Arthritis Pain Relief For All Of Us

When you ask what arthritis is, professinals will tell you... Read More

Are Drug Companies Destroying The U.S. Health Care System?

The U.S. government's annual bill for healthcare spending ? $3,925... Read More

Healthcare Providers -- Its Time for Your Physical

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

10 Benefits of an Electronic Medical Record

Electronic Medical RecordAn Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic... Read More

Robotic Future of Hospitals; Pandemic Prevention and Bio-Terrorist Attack

There is a huge concern in the medical industry that... Read More

Lunesta Memory Problems

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

Risperdal Side Effects: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome NMS

Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic drug that balances the levels... Read More

Three Antioxidants (ginko biloba, grade seed extract, and selenium) for Alzheimers Treatment

Checklist of Treatments for Alzheimer's DiseasePart 3 of 83. Three... Read More

Army Report Validates Prediction of Vaccine-Induced Epidemic

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

Cetyl Myristoleate Seperating Fact From Fiction

I am a strong believer in Cetyl Myristoleate for the... Read More

Comfortable, Affordable Lab Coats for the Health Care Professional

When a health care professional uses lab coats it conveys... Read More

Vioxx and Bextra Lawsuits Could Tie Up Courts for Years

In September, 2004, pharmaceutical giant Merck voluntarily withdrew its painkilling... Read More

How to Make Changes in Your Healthcare Organization

For many of us change is a difficult process. In... Read More

Marketing Authorisation - Medicinal Products

Marketing Authorisation: Medicinal Products The case of R (on the... Read More

Zoloft Side Effects: Akathisia and Violent Behavior

Zoloft is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor); a prescription... Read More

You Are Getting Very Sleepy....The Truth about Hypnosis

A hypnotic "trance" is not something that is foreign to... Read More

Hacking through the Medical Scheduling Software Jungle: Helpful Search Tips

It is the reality of the 21st century medical practice... Read More

Five Secrets of High Blood Pressure Treatment

Thirty percent of human population has a high blood pressure... Read More

The Top Seven Myths About Arthritis

Myth #1: "Nothing can be done about arthritis..."You don't have... Read More