Uncovering the Anxiety Irritable Bowel Syndrome Connection
Posted: Saturday, April 21, 2007
by Susan Reynolds
http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com
It makes you wonder if you have not got enough to cope with. Not only have you been diagnosed with IBS, but you are also feeling stressed and anxious. In this regard, you are not alone. A number of studies have shown an anxiety irritable bowel syndrome connection exists.
IBS is condition that effects the digestive system, and mainly effects the bowel (large intestines), which is the part of the digestive system that produces and stores our waste material until we eliminate it.
This stomach pain is caused by muscle spasms and is usually only relieved by having a bowel movement. For this reason, anti-spasmodic medications are sometimes prescribed because it is believed that reducing the muscle spasms or contractions will also relieve this pain.
These medications work by relaxing the intestines. It may also go some way to preventing diarrhea but they are generally not prescribed for extended periods.
Some of the other signs of IBS include excessive gas, bloating or feeling that the stomach is swollen.
It is also believed that something between 50% - 90% of those who suffer with IBS also have some form of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is why anti-depressants are sometimes prescribed.
Some of the IBS symptoms are really very similar to other, and often more serious, conditions like colitis and Crohn's disease. So, if you have any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor so that a complete physical exam can be carried out in order to learn what is causing your pain.
There are various treatment plans that can be used for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Usually combinations of prescriptions and over the counter medications are used. For example, Zelnorm is a medication that is used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation, but it should not be used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea.
However, this medication cannot be taken for a lengthy period of time. Therefore, dietary changes and other therapies should be integrated into your treatment program as well. There are also over the counter medications that you can take if you have a build up of gas.
Your doctor can usually help you decide if over the counter or prescription medications for irritable bowel syndrome or other therapies are right for you. Some of the over the counter medications that you can take for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea include Kaopectate and Imodium.
While these products can effectively slow down your diarrhea, they do not relieve the other signs and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
It is also possible that herbs and botanicals can be helpful. However, what works for one person may not work for another person.
Continue reading to discover natural methods to relieve IBS and sign up for our free newsletter.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before taking any herbs, even though they may have to research a little to find out about the particular herbal treatment. For this reason it may be beneficial to also so a herbalist or a doctor of naturopathic medicine.
Often the best way to relieve anxiety and stress symptoms, which come with IBS, is to gain day to day control over the other IBS symptoms. This will allow greater freedom and means you have a better quality of life.
Some of the techniques, other than medication, that you can use to relieve stress include, learning deep breathing techniques, meditation, carrying out regular exercise, getting more sleep or at least a good nights sleep and improving your diet.
Regardless of the signs and symptoms that you may have, the anxiety irritable bowel syndrome connection is something that you should be aware of. Chose the best anxiety relief options available for your circumstances to regain your quality of life.
Sign up for the free Irritable Bowel Syndrome Newsletter and discover new and natural methods to manage your anxiety irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. You can also find more irritable bowel syndrome resources here.
This Article has been viewed 982 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.