Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes long term discomfort for the patient. The patient usually shows up to a homeopath after years of neglecting the problem and using home remedies. Such patients are known to have stress and anxiety, may or may not be related to the disease.
Definition: Bowel related symptoms consist of abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating that is either relieved by passing stool or flatus, or associated with any change in stool form, or associated with any change in stool frequency.
Symptoms: Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days/months in the last 3 months associated with two or more of the following:
- Improvement with defecation
- Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool
- Onset associated with a change in form of stool
Criterion fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis.
Diagnosis: Mainly clinical as routine laboratory investigation usually come negative.
Management:
- The patient should be told to avoid stress and may practice yoga and meditation to decreases stress.
- Eat small sized meals at regular interval.
- Avoid food causing discomfort.
- Advice fiber with caution. It improves constipation but may worsen cramps and flatulence.
- Maintain good daily regimen and exercise regularly.
Homeopathic medicines
Irritable bowel syndrome treatment requires both a good regimen, supported by appropriate homeopathic medicines. With professional homeopathic help, most patients of irritable bowel disease show high satisfaction rate. Some of the Homeopathic medicines helpful in IBS
- Argentum nit: Argentum nitricum is very helpful for IBS that is accompanied by anticipatory anxiety, bloating and loud eructations. Marked desire for sweets and cold food.
- Asafoetida : Asafoetida can be beneficial for treating symptoms of IBS such as abdominal distension, globus hystericus and watery stool.
- Colocynth: Colocynthis is helpful for treating the pain of IBS, such as the cramping of diarrhea; especially when precipitated by episode of anger and indignation. Pain better with bending double.
- Lycopodium: Lycopodium is helpful in treating the digestive symptoms of IBS, such as heartburn or nausea. Anxiety prone coward personality with superimposed domineering attitude.
Case of IBS treated at Homeopathy Point
A 30-year-old professor presented with anxiety, frequent visit to the toilet with unsatisfactory stools. The patient also complaints about the heaviness in abdomen and difficulty in sleep. The patient was given nux vom started with lower potencies along with dietary advice and advice on daily regimen. Patient reported relief in IBS symptoms after following advice at Homeopathy Point.
Dr Renu Pande, MD
Founding Member – HomeopathyPoint
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