Irritable Bowel Syndrome
August 30, 2008 - 4:57pm
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I have a friend who is 31 years old and has the worst irritable bowel syndrome. She cannot go in a car longer than about 30 minutes without having to (well you know what).
Does anyone have any suggestions on what she can do? I am not well versed in the subject.
Thanks.
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One of my college students had IBS, and I learned about his struggles of coping with IBS on a daily basis from his sharing of information and experiences with me.
Are you sure that your friend has IBS, or could she have a more serious intestinal disorder/disease, like Chron's or ulcerative colitis?
Depending on the type of symptoms your friend is experiencing (ie, constipation, diarrhea and/or gas), dictates what type of OTC or prescription medicine she would be prescribed.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the good news for IBS sufferers is that IBS "does not cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer."
"In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress." Do you know what your friend already does in the "diet, lifestyle or stress" departments to control her IBS?
Here are a few good resources and strategies/treatment options, depending on what her doctor suggests:
- Fiber supplements (may help control constipation)
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Eliminating high-gas foods (carbonated beverages, salads, raw fruits and vegetables, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower)
- Anticholinergic medications (relieve painful bowel spasms)
- Antidepressant medications
- Counseling, if stress tends to worsen your symptoms
- Other stress-reduction techniques: bio-feedback, accupressure, meditation, yoga, exercise
- Antiobiotics may help
Resources:
- IBS on MedlinePlus and JAMA
- IBS Support Group
She can check out IBS Support Groups through local hospitals or health organizations, as there are many geared to just women, or certain populations.
Thanks for the information Alison. Her doctor said she had IBS although, I think it is out of control. I will forward this link to her and thank you for the information.
It seems to me that she may have something else and not IBS because it is really bad. I know she has anxiety also.
I will forward this to her and maybe talk her into seeing her doctor again or maybe get a second opinion.
Thanks