Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disease of the
gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain and a change in bowel
movement. Abdominal bloating or distension is also present. Altered bowel
habits include diarrhea, constipation, or both in an alternating manner. In
spite of the chronicity, affected individuals do not lose weight. In fact,
weight loss, blood in stools, acute onset, late age onset, progressive
symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, fever, and painless diarrhea are symptoms which
may point to some other organic causes.
The management of this condition consists primarily in
providing psychological support, dietary advice, and the use of medicines for
troublesome symptoms. While this condition is chronic, with a relapsing and
remitting nature, life expectancy remains unaffected, and most patients learn
to manage their symptoms well enough by paying attention to dietary triggers.
Psychological interventions are effective, and include cognitive-behavioural
therapy, dynamic psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy.
IBS is primarily believed to be a functional disorder, with
the absence of a specific and unique organic pathology. Increase or a change in
bowel motility, increased pain sensitivity of the bowels, and increased
psychological disturbance are associated with this condition. In recent times,
some patients’ medical work-up has demonstrated the presence of organic
pathology such as increased microscopic inflammation in some parts of the bowels,
and a change in the bacterial population in the intestines. Some patients
report onset of IBS after a chronic infection or after an episode of chronic
diarrhea.
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment of IBS depends upon the
history and presentation of the disease and its symptoms. It is important to
look for organic causes which may mimic the symptoms. Herbal medicines which
improve digestion and treat distension are important in the treatment of IBS.
Medicines which increase or decrease bowel movement are used as required. Ayurvedic
medicines also significantly reduce inflammation in the intestines, and
therefore bring about remission on a long term basis.
Herbal medicines are also used to strengthen the nervous
system and bring into harmony the psychological status of affected individuals.
Reassurance, appropriate medicines, and simple dietary changes form the
mainstay of IBS treatment. Along with the digestive treatment mentioned in the
previous paragraph, these measures help immensely in reducing the hyperalgesia
and disturbed intestinal motility, which are the hall marks of this condition.
Medicines may also be required to treat chronic infection, or the after-effects
of severe infection, if the history documents commencement of IBS after an
infection.
Depending upon the severity of symptoms and the
psychological status of affected individuals, Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be
required for periods ranging from a few months to a few years. However, a majority of affected individuals
are able to live near normal lives, with a few modifications in lifestyle and
food habits.
