Abstract-
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is an Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that
affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel
habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Others go back
and forth between the two. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not
harm the intestines. Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms with diet,
stress management, probiotics, and with the help of homoeopathic medicine. Observations
with respect to age, sex, occupation, remedies were done and efficacy of Homoeopathy was
analyzed in these cases. Homoeopathy is useful in treating cases of IBS.
Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome, Homoeopathy..
Introduction-
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is important because of its high prevalence, substantial
morbidity, and enormous costs. IBS is characterized by the presence of abdominal discomfort
or pain associated with disturbed defecation. Bloating or visible abdominal distension often
are present in patients with IBS but are not considered essential symptoms for diagnosis. It‘s
now proposed with subsequent studies that the Rome criteria can be used in clinical practice
with success. Homeopathic treatment is increasingly recognized for its potential to provide
symptom relief and improve quality of life in IBS patients, with individualized remedies
tailored to address the diverse manifestations of the syndrome
Causes:
The etiopathological causes lie both at the central nervous system and enteric nervous system.
In some cases it is found to develop IBS after an intestinal infection. It is called post
infectious IBS. There are many triggers of IBS which affect the nerves that control sensation
or muscle contraction of the intestine.
Triggers for IBS-
Foods – The foods that trigger the IBS are refined breads, refined foods such as chips,
cookies, all sorts of junk foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, high protein diets,
sometimes milk and dairy products.
Stress – Stress, anxiety, problems at work, problems at home, and financial problems can
have a direct effect on IBS. The sign and symptoms of IBS can be aggravated by constant
staying in a stressful situation.
Drugs – Some drugs may trigger the symptoms of IBS. Prolonged use of antibiotic, anti
depressant drugs, cough syrups containing sorbitols.
Sign And Symptoms:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is manifested with various signs and symptoms like
abdominal pain, bloating of gas, sudden urging for bowel clearance, frequent urging for
bowel clearance, in some cases constipation problems, sometimes loose motion and
constipation alternates each other. It occurs as a result of irregular rhythmical peristaltic
movements.
Pathophysiology-
IBS results from disturbances in interactions among intestinal motility, gut sensitivity,
immune function, and central nervous system processing. Abnormal neurotransmitter release
and low-grade inflammation may also play a role. These changes cause pain, altered bowel
movements, and discomfort without structural damage to the gut.
Diagnosis-
Diagnosis is mainly clinical based on symptom criteria such as Rome IV: recurrent
abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months associated with two or more of
the following: related to defecation, associated with stool frequency change or stool form
change. Diagnostic evaluation focuses on excluding other organic diseases:-
Detailed history and physical examination
Alarm features assessment (weight loss, bleeding, anemia)
Basic laboratory tests and targeted investigations (colonoscopy, celiac screening) as needed
Symptom-based diagnostic approach rather than exclusion
Subtypes of IBS-
IBS is classified based on predominant bowel habit:-
IBS-C (Constipation)
IBS-D (Diarrhea)
IBS-M (Mixed)
IBS-U (Unclassified)
Homoeopathic Management-
Lycopodium clavatum
This remedy is well-suited to people with IBS & food intolerances, especially onions, oysters,
cabbage and beans. The pains are worse in the evening, typically from 4- 8 pm and are
relieved by passing wind. The inflamed digestive tract struggles to get enough nutrition from
food, so there can be loss of weight with fullness and bloating in the abdomen. The appetite is
very changeable and can go from being ravenous to very full after a few mouthfuls.
Colocynthis
This remedy has terrible stomach cramps that are better for doubling up and maybe worse
from anger or indignation. The pains are short, sharp & pinching and aggravated after eating,
especially fruit. Heat & pressure give some relief to the pains which can extend to the lower
back or into the buttocks. It is also a very useful remedy for sciatica and neuralgic pain in
general.
Nux Vomica
This remedy suits people who burn the candle at both ends, working hard and playing harder.
Eventually, this stressful lifestyle takes its toll and the digestive system suffers. There are
severe stomach cramps and acid reflux that is aggravated by mental exertion. Hiccough,
belching, fullness, and indigestion are worse after coffee, spicy foods, and smoking. There
can also be a lot of nausea and feelings of being sea-sick. The remedy is also very useful to
treat a hangover.
Arsenicum album
Stomach cramps that are worse after catching a cold. This remedy suits people who always
feel chilly; so much so that even eating cold food such as ice cream aggravates. There is a
great deal of diarrhoea that can come on after drinking whilst moving around makes
everything worse. Taking regular sips of a warm drink and lying down to rest is relieving.
Argentum nitricum
In this remedy, there is a lot of wind, with very loud and forceful belching or flatulence.
There is nausea and indigestion associated with nerves or anxiety, especially when
anticipating a stressful event like a job interview or exam.
Sulphur
Stomach cramps aggravated by touch, with burning pains worse in the morning and at night.
Appetite is usually increased, especially around 11 am with an ‘all-gone’ sensation. The
stomach feels very heavy straight after eating.
Bryonia alba
A useful remedy in IBS that is aggravated after eating bread and where the thirst is increased.
The stomach may feel so heavy that it is like a stone is sitting there. Belching relieves the
pain and tastes of undigested food. Tight clothing and walking about also worsen the
condition.
Conclusion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by
abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation. While
conventional treatments focus on symptom management through dietary changes,
medications, and lifestyle modifications, homeopathy offers an individualized and holistic
approach. Homeopathic treatment considers the patient’s unique symptom profile and overall
constitution, aiming to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
References
Peckham, E. J., Nelson, E. A., Greenhalgh, J., Cooper, K., Roberts, E. R., & Agrawal, A.
(2013). Homeopathy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. The Cochrane Library
Mayer EA (April 2008). “Clinical practice. Irritable bowel syndrome”. The New England
Journal of Medicine. 358 (16): 1692–9. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp0801447. PMC 3816529. PMID
18420501.
Schmulson MW, Chang L (November 1999). “Diagnostic approach to the patient with
irritable bowel syndrome”. The American Journal of Medicine. 107 (5A): 20S–26S.
doi:10.1016/S0002-9343(99)00278-8. PMID 10588169.
Talley NJ (November 2006). “Irritable bowel syndrome”. Internal Medicine Journal. 36 (11):
724–8. doi:10.1111/j.1445-5994.2006.01217.x. PMC 1761148. PMID 17040359.
Paterson WG, Thompson WG, Vanner SJ, Faloon TR, Rosser WW, Birtwhistle RW, et al.
Recommendations for the management of irritable bowel syndrome in family practice.
CMAJ. 1999;161:154–60
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