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Ever heard of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? If cramps in the stomach are commonplace for you, its about time you learnt more about it. That bothersome stomach ache may be more than just your everyday indigestion.

Is that terrible stomach ache taking the wind out of your sails? Making you sleepless, stressed, irritable? Well, its not just your mind that is irritated, but something deep down in your belly-your bowel! Get up and get cracking , because it might be a case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Also known as spastic colon, IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterised by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating in the stomach, constipation or diarrhoea and alteration of bowel habits. However, Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not permanently harm the intestines. And you can control the symptoms by consuming the right diet, managing your stress and following the right medicine regimen. Here’s how…

Signs To Watch Out For

There are no specific causes that lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is most often a result of a sensitive colon or large intestine. here’s what you must watch out for:

• Irritation in the large intestine
• Loose motions for 10-12 weeks in a year
• Recurring stomach ache
• Bleeding/spotting in the stool
• Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom
• Significant weight loss in a very short span of time
• Recent changes in bowel habits
• Depression, stress, anxiety

Stress And Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It might sound strange but stress can stimulate colon spasms in people suffering  from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It happens because the colon has several nerves that are connected to the brain. These nerves control the contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort when we are stressed. Now you know where those cramps come from?

Stress management is an important part of treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Here’s how to manage it:

• Stress reduction training and relaxation therapies such as meditation in conjunction with medical aid.
• Regular exercise, such as walking or yoga.
• Changes to the stressful situations
• Sleeping adequately

Stomach Ache Treatments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome has no specific treatment, but there are certain ways in which you can alleviate the problem. Most important, the patient and the doctor must share a good relationship. The doctor should be able to calm the patient down and tell him/her there is no reason to panic. Patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome are often called ‘doctor bargainers’ because they tend to change their doctors often, thinking someone would have the remedy! However, what they must understand is that it’s not a disease but a functional disorder. Certain drugs can help ease this stomach trouble, so do consult your doctor. Following the correct guidelines can help you go a long way in treating the problem. Let it go!