Patient's page.Irritable Bowel Syndrome irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), condition characterized by frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease process. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the lower left quadrant, bloating, and flatulence. Do you suffer from chronic constipation, frequent diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, or bloating bloating Vox populi A lay term for post-prandial abdominal fullness or swelling ? If so, you may have a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS IBS Irritable bowel syndrome, see there ). The prevalence of IBS has received much attention recently, especially with the development of new drugs specifically designed to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Between 9 and 22% of Americans suffer from IBS, and worldwide, the number reaches 35%. Women are three to four times more likely to suffer from the disorder, and symptoms usually peak between the ages of 30 and 50. The symptoms of IBS include crampy pain, bloating, gassiness, and changes in bowel habits. Some people have constipation, while others experience diarrhea or both. The cause of IBS is not certain, but physicians suspect several factors contribute to the development or trigger symptoms, including stress, hormone levels, a history of psychological disorders in the family, food intolerance, depression, and even stomach bacteria. If you suspect that you have IBS, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider because treatment is available. While IBS is not life threatening, it can be life hindering. Sufferers frequently avoid social situations for fear of embarrassment. In diagnosing IBS, your doctor will perform tests to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms. The following is a list of available medications and treatment options: * Fiber therapy, which provides bulk to the stool, increasing stool frequency and easing discomfort. * Laxatives, for people who suffer mainly with constipation. These include lactulose lactulose /lac·tu·lose/ (lak´tu-los) a synthetic disaccharide used as a laxative and to enhance excretion or formation of ammonia in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. and milk of magnesia milk of magnesia, common name for the chemical compound magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2. The viscous, white, mildly alkaline mixture that is used medicinally as an antacid and laxative is a suspension of approximately 8% magnesium hydroxide in water. . * Antidiarrheal antidiarrheal /an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al/ (-di?ah-re´al) counteracting diarrhea, or an agent that does this. an·ti·di·ar·rhe·al n. A substance used to prevent or treat diarrhea. medication, such as loperamide loperamide /lo·per·amide/ (lo-per´ah-mid) an antiperistaltic used as the hydrochloride salt as an antidiarrheal and to reduce the volume of discharge from ileostomies. (Imodium). Although these medicines help decrease the diarrhea, they often do not help with pain or discomfort. * Muscle relaxers, which help relieve cramping. * Antidepressants, when the suspected cause of IBS is related to depression. * Diet modifications, when food sensitivity is suspected. * Alternative therapies, including acupuncture, hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy Definition Hypnotherapy is the treatment of a variety of health conditions by hypnotism or by inducing prolonged sleep. Pioneers in this field, such as James Braid and James Esdaile discovered that hypnosis could be used to , and Chinese herbal medicine Chinese herbal medicine see herbal medicine. . Newer medications are also now available. For patients who suffer with diarrhea, Lotronex (alosetron) can be prescribed to help decrease the occurrence of diarrhea. Although alosetron does help alleviate symptoms, side effects may include constipation and colitis, and it currently is only approved for females with severe diarrhea. Zelnorm (tegaserod) is approved by the FDA to treat constipation in women suffering with IBS. Zelnorm eases bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. The most common side effects are diarrhea and headaches. Other medications are now being studied which also look promising. Remember, the symptoms of IBS are treatable, and no one should feel hindered to discuss his or her symptoms with a doctor. For more information regarding IBS, visit the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health, which is under the U.S. at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs_ez/. Taken in part from "A Review of IBS." By Dr. Mihaela Podovei and Dr. Braden Kuo. Southern Medical Journal. November 2006. Vitamin K for Newborns Home births have become a popular delivery option for parents-to-be; however, recent studies have shown that newborns delivered at home are at risk for developing bleeding in the brain because many do not receive a vitamin K injection that prevents this disorder. This condition is life threatening and can result in cerebral palsy or mental retardation. Infants born at a hospital or medical facility receive vitamin K routinely. If you are considering having a home birth, you should check with your pediatrician to find out how your baby will receive this important injection. For more information regarding vitamin K and newborns, please see the American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics; 112/1/191. Taken in part from "Intracerebral Hemorrhage due to Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn hemorrhagic disease of the newborn A neonatal condition caused by vitamin K deficiency, the combined result of a lack of unbound maternal vitamin K, immaturity of the fetal liver and lack of vitamin K-producing bacteria in the infant colon Clinical Abrupt early and Failure to Administer Vitamin K at Birth." By Dr. Dena Hubbard and Dr. Joseph D. Tobias. Southern Medical Journal. November 2006. Bridget Garland, MA |
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