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Irritable Bowel Syndrome () is the 2nd most common cause

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09 May, 18 15:05
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome () is the 2nd most common cause Udaipur : A study conducted by the HCFI, a leading National Health NGO has revealed that about 5-10% of the population surveyed experiences symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or incomplete evacuation. Yet, a majority of them do not seek medical help.
The study aimed at analysing IBS from the physician and patient’s point of view – awareness about the disease, its impact on day-to-day life and treatment options. It is interesting to note that even though 84.6% of the respondents felt that abdominal pain or other symptoms of IBS cannot be ignored, an overwhelming 58% of them use over-the-counter medications for relief and did not see a doctor. Given the impact of IBS on a person’s day-to-day life, it is important to raise awareness about IBS amongst both the medical fraternity and patients about IBS.
Dr Naresh Midha, Department of Medicine, AIIMS, Jodhpur, opined, “IBS is not a mental health disorder. However, stress can greatly impact this condition. The symptoms worsen under extreme stress. One of the treatment modes should therefore be to indulge in activities that can reduce stress and keep a person calm. Apart from this, your specialist will also recommend dietary changes and maintaining an active lifestyle. Medication is only used when the condition aggravates further. Antispasmodic agents like peppermint oil can be highly beneficial.”
The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea and/or constipation). Abdominal pain is typically crampy and varies in intensity. Some people notice that emotional stress and eating worsen the pain and that having a bowel movement relieves the pain. Women may notice an association between pain episodes and their menstrual cycle.
Speaking about this, Dr C S Sharma, Senior Gastro Physician, Rajasthan Hospital, Jaipur said, “IBS may not be a life-threatening condition but can get highly discomforting and painful. One may experience either sudden diarrhea or immense constipation, and at times both. This can further lead to bloating and other gastric disorders, not to mention unbearable cramps in the lower part of the belly. It is important to get treatment in the initial stages, failing which IBS can even cause unnatural weight loss and urinary problems.”
The results of the survey conducted amongst the medical practitioners on the treatment methodologies for IBS revealed that almost 55.9% of the doctors use a symptom-directed, multidrug approach in the treatment of IBS; 54.5% doctors prescribe antispasmodics; and another 30.8% prescribe antibiotics, antispasmodics.
About 80% of the doctors surveyed believe that an ideal antispasmodic for the treatment of IBS should offer relief from symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating/flatulence and complete evacuation and also possess minimum side effects. Peppermint oil has emerged as a good option since almost half of the participating doctors feel that it is effective in relieving abdominal pain, gas, bloating and faecal urgency through its selective effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine.
Speaking about the need to raise awareness Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI said, “A simple mantra that everyone must remember is that if there is no pain, it can’t be IBS. Raising awareness about the disease incidence is key. ”
There is an unmet need in the treatment of IBS, as, despite the wide variety and effective treatments available, most patients do not get appropriate treatment. More widespread knowledge and proper use of available therapies (such as diet restriction and peppermint oil) will enable both the physicians as well as patients in achieving a better quality of life and relief from symptoms.
Some interesting insights from the patient survey include the following.
• 84.6% said that pain in abdomen and altered bowel habits cannot be ignored
• 58.3% people self-treat symptoms with over-the-counter drugs
• 33.3% feel that the condition is not serious enough to contact a doctor
• 8.3% would seek no treatment at all
• 46% say IBS hampers their daily life
• 50% of them said they would take multiple drugs including antibiotics, antispasmodics etc., each time they have an attack
• 41.6% opted for diet change or probiotics for each attack
यह खबर निम्न श्रेणियों पर भी है: Headline Today , udaipur
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