Finding A Cure For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Although irritable bowel syndrome is incredibly common worldwide, it is actually then surprising just how few people are actually aware of the syndrome and of what is involved with it. Irritable bowel syndrome is actually recognized as being one of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses worldwide, and the symptoms most commonly associated with the condition are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Treating these symptoms can be difficult but necessary because so far there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome.
If you have continuous or recurrent symptoms for at least three months of abdominal pain or discomfort, altered stool frequency, altered stool form, altered stool passage, passage of mucous and bloating or a feeling of abdominal distension, then you are most likely suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Treatment
Although as of yet there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are a number of different methods of treatment that are available for it. The particular treatment that will be recommended to you will vary depending on your specific condition and how severe it is. These treatments are not meant to be a cure for irritable bowel syndrome but can ease the uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms that interfere in everyday in a sufferer's life.
Medications and diet changes are the major aspects involved with relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and really are the closest thing to date in terms of a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. Your doctor may first suggest using supplements or laxatives, and an antispasmodic may also be prescribed. This will primarily help to control colon muscle spasms, as well as reduce some of your abdominal pain.
There are also a few medications that have recently been released to treat irritable bowel syndrome such as alosetron hydrochloride. Just remember that with any medication, it is important to follow your doctor's specific instructions, and so even if the instructions on the medication are different, you want to follow what your doctor has prescribed.
Make sure that you are completely aware of the different side effects and complications that are possible as a result of the medication, so that you are prepared and know what to expect. You may be one of the lucky ones that do not experience any negative side effects at all, but this is rare and usually people experience at least one or two of the most common noted side effects of the medication. Just keep in mind that as of today there is no such thing as a cure for irritable bowel syndrome, just symptom control.