People may experience anxiety in many ways. Out of those many ways, stomachache is a common symptom. Sometimes the stomach can get and become more than an upset stomach. It could turn into gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome or widely known as IBS.
What is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS?
IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Women are more likely to experience such symptoms which usually begins in late adolescence and early adulthood.
There is no specific cause, but some experts say people who suffer from IBS have a colon that is more sensitive to certain foods and stress. This disorder is known as spastic colon. IBS can be very painful and uncomfortable, but it is neither permanently damaging to the intestines, nor does it cause other gastrointestinal diseases.
People with IBS often suffer from anxiety and depression which can worsen its symptoms. This is because the colon is partly controlled by the nervous system which responds to stress. Evidence also suggests that the immune system also responds to stress which plays a role in IBS.
Treatment of IBS:
There is no cure for IBS, but treatments and maintenance can subside the symptoms and discomfort. Many people are not receiving proper treatment for IBS yet. But among those who received treatment, 60 percent of them have a psychiatric disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Your general physician may prescribe you a combination of treatments:
- Fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation
- Antispasmodic medication for muscle spasms in the colon and abdominal pain
- Antidepressants for anxiety and depression
Things you can do to manage the symptoms of IBS:
- Maintaining a nutrient rich diet can help greatly. Many people with IBS may need to avoid dairy products and carbonated beverages as these can aggravate symptoms. For others it may mean to increase fiber intake to combat constipation or eating smaller meals more often than two or three large meals. Large meals may cause cramping.
- Practicing daily relaxation techniques can reduce stress.
- The first line of treatment should always be psychotherapy or talk therapy for someone with IBS especially if they have a history of anxiety, panic attacks or depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven to be very helpful for managing anxiety and depression.
- Prolonged stress can lead to mental and physical ailments such as anxiety and IBS. Reach out to Aastha today and consult a specialist to discuss the best possible treatment plan for you in managing the daily stress.