Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a widespread global health problem. As the proportion of people infected with it is 10-15 people out of every 100 people. So this disease is among the list of diseases of the current era that have increased and spread.
And which causes suffering for many people for long periods. Doctors symbolize it by the abbreviation “IBS”, and it is considered one of the many cases. Frequency of the psychiatric clinic, and although irritable bowel disease does not directly threaten the person’s life, it greatly affects the quality of life that a person lives.
The colon or large intestine is one of the important parts of the digestive system, and it extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum, and it consists of the following parts.
The Ascending Colon in the Right Area of the Abdomen
- The transverse colon in the upper abdomen.
- The descending colon in the left region of the abdomen and ending in the rectum.
The importance and benefit of the colon is the preservation of the food that reaches it for several days and in it. The water and other salts in the food are absorbed. And then the longitudinal and transverse muscles surrounding the colon push the remainder in the form of feces out of the body during the process of defecation.
Irritable Bowel Disease
The problem that occurs in the case of IBS is the movement of the muscles of the digestive system, especially those around the colon (the large intestine). If it is defective, its movement is irregular. So it is either very fast in the case of diarrhea and the stool comes out with watery liquid, or very slow, as in the case of constipation. So the stool comes out solid and hard. Because the food took a long time in the colon and absorbed a large proportion of water from it.
From the above, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be defined as a disturbance in the functioning of the colon. Often due to nervousness. This leads to strong and repeated contractions of the colon muscles resulting in severe pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by swelling in the abdomen. And a disturbance in the excretion process. Causing constipation frequent or recurrent diarrhea with some white secretions with passing out and wind retention, and the patient may complain of heartburn. Heat in the stomach, and various pain in his body in general.
Irritable bowel syndrome refers to the presence of temporary but recurring dysfunction in the digestive system and does not indicate an organic disease, and this syndrome does not develop into any other organic disease or malignant; Like cancer.
The Main Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
frequent and chronic pain in the lower abdomen. Whether on the right or the left side of it. The patient feels the presence of cramps or burning in the abdomen that will go away by defecating. And it is noticeable that these pain attacks occur only when the patient is awake and do not occur at all during sleep. And these attacks increase if the patient is exposed to psychological pressure in his home or work. Or eating certain types of food. But if you get rid of the excreta or gases. The severity of these pains will be reduced, and it is worth noting that chronic pain that lasts for more than six months. And does not go away after defecation has nothing to do with the irritable bowel.
Increased bowel and urine frequency with a change in the nature of the stool, Shaped, size, and color, and mucus comes out with stool, the patient also feels that the stools have not come out all of them, so he does not feel comfortable after leaving the bathroom. As for urination, it increases, with heartburn when it comes out, and a feeling of being unable to control it when the bladder is full.
Swelling in the abdomen, especially after eating meals, to the point that the affected woman appears as if she is pregnant, with many other gases coming out through the mouth and anus, and heartburn accompanied by diarrhea or constipation. Nausea without vomiting, fatigue, and general fatigue.
Pain and Dysfunction When Menstruation
Headache, heartburn, lower back pain, and needle-like pain in the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and legs.
Feeling full and unwilling to eat, even after a long time without food. It is worth noting that not all of these symptoms are necessarily present in all patients, as most of them may appear on one patient, and some of them appear on another, for each has its own pattern, and only the doctor can diagnose the disease after conducting the necessary medical examinations.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes
Smoking, like smoking, contributes to irritable bowel syndrome to a large extent. Drinking alcoholic beverages and intoxicants. Colon sensitivity to certain types of food, which becomes irritated as a result, and this sensitivity varies from person to person, and among these foods are uncooked vegetables, Cucumber, radish, beans, lentils, falafel, hot sauce, coffee, as well as milk and its products due to the lack of enzyme secretion for the digestion of milk.
Anxiety, depression, and psychological distress Whether casual or continuous, to which a person is exposed to the pressures of school exams, divorce, or the death of loved ones.
There is an imbalance in the movement of the large intestine, which causes contractions in the colon wall, and the patient feels pain and discomfort. Infection It was found that about 20% of irritable bowel syndrome patients had a history of gastroenteritis before the onset of irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may begin to appear after infections or surgery in the digestive system. Irritable bowel syndrome may be irritated without apparent causes or precursors that provoke it.
How do the psychological causes of irritable bowel syndrome?
The small and large intestine (colon) is one of the largest organs in the human body. As they reach a length of 10 feet of smooth muscles. And their continuous movement is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. And in the case of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a disorder occurs in this automatic movement of the intestine. Which affects the course of its contents of food. And this disorder occurs as a result of exposure to psychological pressures as in Cases of anxiety, fear, or situations of extreme sadness. Which in turn affects the nervous system.
So the colon nerves that perform their functions are affected by five million neurons in the intestinal wall and directly related to the nervous system. And more than one person in the same family may be affected by this condition. As a result of exposure to the same stress. Such as in the case of the loss of a parent or family problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
After knowing that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not an organic problem in the digestive system. But rather a temporary dysfunction in it. Resulting for a number of reasons. The largest, treatment of IBS varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity and severity of the case. In addition to the nature of each person and the extent of his tolerance of symptoms.
Among the best tips tried on this topic is the following
Avoid stress as much as possible. The patient first needs to know the reasons leading to his tension and anxiety. Then learn ways to get rid of what he feels. And there is nothing wrong with seeing a psychiatrist help him relax. Quit smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep at night.
The specialist may prescribe some medicines that help regulate the movement of the muscles of the digestive system. The most important of which are Medicines used to relieve associated pain. Such as Abdominal pain or bloating and gas. And these drugs are taken after consulting a specialist.
- Natural fibers: extracted from natural plants, which aid in the digestion process. And regulate bowel movement. And the average person needs to eat 25-35 grams per day of these fibers.
- Laxatives prescribed by the doctor, which regulate the movement of the colon in cases of severe constipation.
- Astringents that are used in cases of recurrent diarrhea.
Some patients do not respond to these treatments. Because the cause of the disease they have is psychological. And they need psychological support. So it is imperative to consult a psychiatrist to prescribe special drugs to control stress or psychological antidepressants, according to the case.
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