CAUSES
The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. Although the discomfort caused and the digestive disturbances are real, there are no organic abnormalities that allow us to identify the causes of this syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is also called “functional colopathy” or “functional intestinal disorder”.
One of the causes could be an increase in the sensitivity of the colon aggravated by anxiety.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The signs of irritable bowel are mainly spasms in the abdominal region ranging from simple discomfort to intense pain.
Many women complain of discomfort or great discomfort and sometimes worry as the site of the pain may remind them of ovarian pain.
These pains most often occur after meals, in cases of stress, or before menstruation and are only relieved by resting and excreting gas or faeces. The abdomen is bloated and painful under pressure, sometimes with the impression of feeling a lump in a part of the spastic colon. These pains are often accompanied by transit disorders, constipation or diarrhoea, sometimes both alternately.
TREATMENTS
There is no specific treatment for irritable bowel, but a few common-sense rules can help relieve the pain. However, your doctor can consider performing a colonoscopy to help eliminate the diagnosis of a colon disease that could be the source of the symptoms.
With regard to medication
A laxative (Normacol), when taken with water, can loosen the consistency of the faecal mass and treat constipation.
An antispasmodic such as Spasfon, Colopriv, Duspatalin, or Météospasmyl, can help spasms and rest the colon
Muscle relaxants (Motilium, Debridat…) can act on the muscles of the intestinal wall
On a dietary level
Remember to drink 1.5 litres of water throughout the day. Do not drink soft drinks.
Avoid eating raw vegetables, lentils, cabbage, and beans.
Favour a high-fibre diet with cereals, cooked vegetables, legumes, and fruits with the skin
Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Exercise (walking)
At the psychological level
Reducing stress could reduce colon spasms. Relaxation or a psychological approach can be tried, and hypnosis or psychological therapy can be considered.
Doctor Yves Assous,
Gynaecologist-Obstetrician
