NICE otherwise known as the National Institute for Health
and Clinical Excellence, have recently released new
guidelines in relation to the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel
Syndrome and the treatment options for IBS.
What is IBS?
IBS is one of the most common disorders affecting the
digestive tract. It can be described as a complex syndrome
with a combination of symptoms which can include diarrhoea,
constipation or both, along with abdominal pain and
bloating. Other symptoms can include mucous in the stools,
excess gas and nausea. Some of these symptoms can also be
present in other disorders or conditions of the digestive
tract which is why diagnosis can be problematic.
The important point about IBS is that it is not dangerous
and it doesn't progress to cancer or other potentially
serious conditions. However, there is no cure for IBS and
living with it day after day can significantly impair
quality of life. Furthermore, as treatment very much
depends on the symptoms that are causing the most
discomfort, there is no standard treatment plan or
medication to suit everyone so finding the right approach
for any one individual more or less consists of trying
various options until such time that relief can be obtained.
How will IBS be diagnosed?
Up until now, obtaining a diagnosis of IBS was a time
consuming process that could take several years. The reason
for this was because it was conducted by a process of
elimination whereby all other potential conditions had to
be ruled out first. These latest guidelines are expected to
speed up the process of diagnosing IBS and offer more
appropriate forms of treatment that are suited to the
individual. So what does this all mean if you suspect you
are suffering from IBS?
The guidelines now advise doctors that a diagnosis of IBS
should be considered if a patient presents with abdominal
pain and discomfort, abdominal bloating, and changes in
bowel movements that have existed for a period of at least
six months. A positive diagnosis can be made if the
abdominal discomfort and pain is relieved by performing a
bowel movement, is associated with changes in bowel
frequency or the consistency of the stools and is
accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:
- Straining, a sense of urgency, feeling of incomplete
evacuation after performing a bowel movement
- Bloating, distended abdomen, tension or hardness (more
common in women)
- Symptoms that are made worse by eating
- Mucous in the stools
In order to rule out other potential conditions that may be
causing the symptoms, doctors are also advised to take
blood tests involving a full blood count, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, C- Reactive Protein Levels and antibody
tests for Coeliac disease.
If other more serious symptoms are present, which are not
normally a feature of IBS, for example blood in the stools,
weight loss, or a family history of cancer of the bowel or
ovarian cancer, then these patients will referred for
further investigation.
What treatment options are likely to be available?
Doctors will be expected to advise their IBS patients on
their lifestyle and possible changes they can make to their
lifestyle which could help alleviate their IBS symptoms.
They will also offer advice on exercise and on controlling
the symptoms of IBS.
As it is considered beneficial to increase the amount of
fibre in the diet when suffering from IBS, many people in
the past have advocated Bran. Bran is an insoluble fibre
and is now discouraged. People will be advised instead to
consume soluble fibre in the form of cereals like oats and
supplements such as Ispaghula husk.
If diagnosed with IBS and your symptoms are causing you
distress, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication
based on which symptom or symptoms are the most dominant.
This can include antispasmodic medication for muscle cramps
and spasms, laxatives (the use of Lactulose is discouraged)
for constipation, anti diarrhoeal agents for diarrhoea, and
even Tricyclic anti-depressants and the newer type of anti
depressants known as SSRi's or Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors for pain and for helping to promote normal bowel
movements.
Do you think you have IBS?
If you suspect that you may be suffering from Irritable
Bowel Syndrome then speak to your doctor for an accurate
diagnosis and advice.
----------------------------------------------------
The author- Dave McEvoy is an award winning personal
trainer with over 20 years experience; he has also suffered
from IBS for 15 years.
http://www.ibs-symptom-relief.co.uk
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