STRESS AND PAIN OF THE BELLY


Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease of the digestive system influenced by emotions. What is it exactly?
In a few words
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is mainly manifested by belly pain and transit changes (constipation or diarrhea). According to current studies, it affects 10 to 15% of the population, twice as many women as men and more benefit people under 45 years. It is not a serious illness but the symptoms can have significant impact on quality of life, social and emotional functioning, concentration and sleep. It would sometimes seem to associate with depression or anxiety problems.

A link between the brain and the intestines
There are links between the intestines and the central nervous system. This means that emotional states, such as depression and anxiety, can influence the functioning of the intestines. Other factors that influence intestinal motility are also mentioned, such as changes in the gut wall, changes in intestinal flora, and genetic factors. On the other hand, it seems that people with IBS are more sensitive to the perception of normal bowel movements. Contracture or intestinal distension becomes painful in these people, whereas usually they are unnoticed. However, no clear scientific theory explains IBS and the causes of IBS remain unknown.

sYMPTOMS
The symptoms are mainly abdominal pain for more than 3 months intermittent (which comes and goes), a change in transit (diarrhea or constipation, or alternation of both), the presence of mucus in the stool, bloating, intestinal noises during digestion and gases. Sometimes they may be accompanied by sexual impotence, pain during menstruation or intercourse, and muscle aches.

Steps to follow
The latest studies on the subject show that it is not necessary to do multiple tests if the symptoms correspond to specific medical criteria. In cases of IBS with diarrhea, it is recommended to look for celiac disease (or gluten intolerance) by taking blood. However, if you are over 50, have lost weight without a diet, have stool with blood, fever, nighttime symptoms, or someone in your family with intestinal disease (celiac disease, Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer or other), it may not be an IBS. In any case, your doctor is in the best position to evaluate your symptoms and advise you on the procedure to follow.

To summarize…
Irritable bowel syndrome is common in the population and can have more or less awkward repercussions in everyday life. To make sure it is not something more serious, it is important to consult your general practitioner. In the case of IBS, changes to your diet with measures to reduce stress can significantly improve your abdominal comfort and reduce daily discomfort.

Reference
Adapted from "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion?", By Dr. S. Zisimopoulou of the Department of Primary Medicine and Dr. I. Guessous of the Population Epidemiology Unit, HUG, Geneva. In Swiss Medical Journal 2012; 8: 1821-5, in collaboration with the authors

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease of the digestive system influenced by emotions. What is it exactly?
In a few words
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is mainly manifested by belly pain and transit changes (constipation or diarrhea). According to current studies, it affects 10 to 15% of the population, twice as many women as men and more benefit people under 45 years. It is not a serious illness but the symptoms can have significant impact on quality of life, social and emotional functioning, concentration and sleep. It would sometimes seem to associate with depression or anxiety problems.

A link between the brain and the intestines
There are links between the intestines and the central nervous system. This means that emotional states, such as depression and anxiety, can influence the functioning of the intestines. Other factors that influence intestinal motility are also mentioned, such as changes in the gut wall, changes in intestinal flora, and genetic factors. On the other hand, it seems that people with IBS are more sensitive to the perception of normal bowel movements. Contracture or intestinal distension becomes painful in these people, whereas usually they are unnoticed. However, no clear scientific theory explains IBS and the causes of IBS remain unknown.

sYMPTOMS
The symptoms are mainly abdominal pain for more than 3 months intermittent (which comes and goes), a change in transit (diarrhea or constipation, or alternation of both), the presence of mucus in the stool, bloating, intestinal noises during digestion and gases. Sometimes they may be accompanied by sexual impotence, pain during menstruation or intercourse, and muscle aches.

Steps to follow
The latest studies on the subject show that it is not necessary to do multiple tests if the symptoms correspond to specific medical criteria. In cases of IBS with diarrhea, it is recommended to look for celiac disease (or gluten intolerance) by taking blood. However, if you are over 50, have lost weight without a diet, have stool with blood, fever, nighttime symptoms, or someone in your family with intestinal disease (celiac disease, Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer or other), it may not be an IBS. In any case, your doctor is in the best position to evaluate your symptoms and advise you on the procedure to follow.

To summarize…
Irritable bowel syndrome is common in the population and can have more or less awkward repercussions in everyday life. To make sure it is not something more serious, it is important to consult your general practitioner. In the case of IBS, changes to your diet with measures to reduce stress can significantly improve your abdominal comfort and reduce daily discomfort.

Reference
Adapted from "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion?", By Dr. S. Zisimopoulou of the Department of Primary Medicine and Dr. I. Guessous of the Population Epidemiology Unit, HUG, Geneva. In Swiss Medical Journal 2012; 8: 1821-5, in collaboration with the authors
..

ليست هناك تعليقات :

الاشتراك في: تعليقات الرسالة ( Atom )

Social

كن متابع للمدونة