Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common medical conditions diagnosed by doctors. According to statistics, 20-25 percent of the world's population suffers from it. Mostly these are women between the ages of 20 and 40.
Irritable bowel syndrome - causes of the disease
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease whose causes are not yet fully understood. According to doctors, it occurs with a combination of many factors. These are heredity, violation of intestinal microflora, hormonal imbalance, psychological disorders, hypersensitivity of the small intestine. Each of these factors, individually or collectively, can cause disease. Especially if you consume foods that irritate the intestines - alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate, fatty foods, chips.
If you notice irritable bowel syndrome, start with diet. In 80% of cases, after changing the diet, the symptoms of the disease are significantly reduced or disappear altogether.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Symptoms
The symptoms of the syndrome can vary. Some have diarrhea abruptly, others have spasms, and still others have constipation. Also noted are bloating, flatulence, mucus from the anus.
Doctors divide all symptoms into three main clinical manifestations:
- irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (when its attacks are often repeated);
- irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (also constantly recurring);
- mixed irritable bowel syndrome (when constipation alternates with diarrhea).
In the same person, the disease can manifest itself in different ways. Symptoms may alternate, get worse, or get better.
Drink plenty of fluids, just water is better. And don't forget about exercise - it stimulates normal bowel contraction.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Treatment
Treatment of the syndrome is primarily based on proper nutrition. All foods that can trigger an attack are excluded from the menu. The dietary fiber content also changes. Depending on what kind of syndrome you have, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea, it should be reduced or increased. If the disease is accompanied by diarrhea, whole grain bread, seeds, nuts, and cereals should be minimized on the menu. If the disease proceeds with constipation, then you need to increase the use of oats, barley, rye, root crops, fruits.
In severe cases of the disease, drug therapy is prescribed. These are antispasmodics (helping to reduce pain in the intestines), mass-forming laxatives (for those suffering from constipation), antidiarrheal drugs, and antidepressants that help to stop the psychological component of the disease.
