Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the digestive system and intestine that makes the gut very sensitive. The condition causes recurrent pain and discomfort in the abdomen and, often as a result, nerves and muscles don't work as they should.
While there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, certain treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.
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Irritable bowel syndrome
According to some research, IBS is one of the most common disorders of the digestive system, affecting one in five people in their lifetime. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, and that their symptoms can be more severe.
Many people living with irritable bowel syndrome find their symptoms an occasional nuisance, for others however, the condition can seriously affect their quality of life. Although IBS can develop at any time, it often occurs when a person is in their twenties.
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from constipation, others from diarrhea, while still others may suffer from both. Pain can range from mild to severe, and may occur at a particular time of day.
IBS symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and can be experienced in varying degrees of severity. However, in some people, symptoms seem to be triggered by something they've had to eat or drink, periods of stress or food poisoning.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
abdominal pain and discomfort
swollen abdomen
gas
indigestion
full" feeling
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
cramps
heartburn
muscle aches
Causes of SCI
Although the exact cause of IBS is unclear, some research suggests that it may be due to overactivity of the intestine. For example, if the contractions of the muscles in the intestinal wall become abnormal or overactive. Problems such as increased sensitivity to gas in the gut, and increased serotonin levels, cause these phenomena. They occur after eating at certain times of the day or certain foods, and are also thought to play a role in the development of IBS.
There are also indications that a person's emotional state can trigger problems in the gut. Intense feelings of anxiety and stress can lead to irregular bowel habits, and symptoms can then worsen. These feelings can ultimately interfere with the regularity of the digestive system, even in people who have never suffered from IBS.
SCI processing
As IBS is a medical condition, it's important to consult your doctor first for information, advice and diagnosis. Unlike some medical conditions that require specific tests to confirm a diagnosis, this is not the case with IBS. This disease does not cause easily detectable abnormalities in your digestive system, as each person is affected differently.
The most important thing you can do is to share with your doctor a clear description of the symptoms you've been experiencing. In most cases, your doctor will consider evaluating you for IBS if you've experienced any of the typical IBS symptoms for at least six months.
Hypnotherapy for IBS
A number of clinical studies have shown that hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome is an effective treatment, including a recent study published in the gastroenterology and hepatology journal The Lancet.
How many sessions are required?
Six hours of treatment over one-hour sessions, or 12 half-hour sessions, have been found to be effective. However, some people have seen results after just one or two sessions of hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome. Everyone's different. Your progress will depend on you and the plan you develop with your hypnotherapist.
