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August 8, 2006 13:49 - Irritable Bowel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

By Patsy Hamilton

Because irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, the recommended prescriptions and over the counter medications for irritable bowel syndrome vary depending on the individual. For example, Zelnorm is used to treat IBS with constipation, but it should not be used by those who suffer from IBS with diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms typically include abdominal (stomach) pain that is relieved by a bowel movement. It is believed that the pain may be caused by muscle spasms, so anti-spasmodic medications for irritable bowel syndrome are sometimes prescribed. The idea being that reducing the muscle spasms or contractions may relieve the pain, relax the intestines and possibly prevent diarrhea. Anti-spasmodic medications, like most prescription drugs, are not intended for long term use, so a complete treatment program which includes dietary changes and other therapies may be recommended as well.

Anti-depressants are sometimes prescribed for IBS. Depression is not commonly one of the irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms, but studies have shown anti-depressants may block pain receptors in the brain. Most prescribed medications for irritable bowel syndrome target pain relief. Stress and anxiety sometimes accompany irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms and anti-depressants may help relieve these, as well as the pain.

Over the counter medications for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea include Kaopectate, Imodium and other anti-diarrhea products. But though they may be effective for slowing diarrhea, they will not help to relieve the other irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms. Herbal and botanical remedies may be effective for the relief and control of IBS with diarrhea or constipation, but there is no conclusive evidence that they work. There are only user testimonials. What works for one may not work for everyone and natural does not always mean safe. Herbs and botanicals should only be purchased from reliable companies. Doctor consultation is often recommended, but most doctors know very little about herbal and botanical treatment. A better source for information may be an herbalist or doctor of naturopathic medicine.

Irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms may include excessive gas, bloating or feeling that the stomach is swollen. If these symptoms are present, recommended over the counter medications for irritable bowel syndrome may include Gas-X or other anti-gas products. Herbs and botanicals designed to prevent or relieve gas are also available.

Irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of other more serious conditions such as colitis and Crohn’s disease. If you have some or many irritable bowel syndrome signs and symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor. A complete physical exam or other tests may be necessary to learn what is causing your pain. Your doctor can also help you decide if over the counter or prescription medications for irritable bowel syndrome or other therapies are right for you.

For more information about irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Patsy Hamilton has over twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

August 19, 2006 14:05 - IBS Treatments

By Alison Cole

Although there is no permanent cure for IBS, there are numerous ways to relieve the symptoms, such as making changes in the diet, religiously following any medication advised, regular exercising, and identifying stress factors and releasing stress.

Before embarking on a treatment plan, some prescribed tests are first conducted on a patient to eliminate the possibility of any other disease. Further tests are undertaken to determine whether the patient is really suffering from IBS or not. These include sigmoidoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy, stool testing and X-ray of the bowels. It is only after establishing the existence of IBS beyond any doubt that the physician can formally start the treatment.

There are two medicines, clinically tested and approved, that are available for treating IBS. These are Lotronex and Zelnorm. However, being symptom specific, they do not make for a very viable medication. Drugs such as antidepressants and antispasmodics are sometimes recommended by the physicians.

There is a wide range of self-help techniques available. IBS patients have at their disposal a specially designed self-hypnosis program for carrying out hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy has a high rate of success and helps in reducing tension and anxiety. Gut-directed or gut-specific hypnotherapy is also available. Yoga is another way of relieving tension. It is a widely accepted fact that yoga helps to fight depression that often accompanies IBS. In fact, there are specific yoga postures that assist in digestion.

There is direct link between sleep and IBS symptoms. Thus it is important for an IBS patient to have a good night’s sleep. Stress management therapies can ensure a relaxed sleep at night. Acupuncture is also being recognized as an efficient means to handle IBS symptoms. However, it should only be carried out by a professional and is something that should not be done by amateurs.

IBS provides detailed information on IBS, IBS Symptoms, IBS Diets, IBS Treatments and more. IBS is affiliated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet.