Abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, without any apparent alteration in intestinal metabolism, are the most characteristic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
If an intestinal infection has been the cause, this syndrome is called post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome occurs most frequently in people under the age of 45, and people usually begin to experience symptoms between the ages of 25 and 30.
Most patients have mild symptoms such as:
However, sometimes the symptoms can be more severe and consist of pain so intense that it prevents the person from performing any daily tasks.
Abdominal pain is diffuse and sharp and is relieved after defecation, usually not occurring during sleep. The pain may reappear when there is a change in bowel movement frequency.
With regard to changes in bowel habits, constipation or diarrhea, or both alternately, usually occur. Abdominal distension is described as excess gas.
Heartburn, chest pain on the left side of the abdomen, slow digestion, and anal pain are also very common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
The feeling of constantly needing to defecate is also very uncomfortable, as is, at the other extreme, fecal incontinence.
The presence of mucus in the stool may be another symptom, as well as feeling full quickly when eating.
Non-intestinal symptoms include painful periods, discomfort when urinating, muscle and bone pain, fatigue, and headaches.
As for the causes, the most widespread opinion is that these are digestive problems with a psychological influence. The brain-gut connection has been proven. Stress causes the nerves to become more active, which leads to intestinal contraction and increased sensitivity.
In addition, other health conditions that may influence irritable bowel syndrome are proposed, such as food intolerances or genetic factors.
Medical history and physical examination can determine whether irritable bowel syndrome is suspected, but a diagnosis must be made by exclusion to rule out other conditions. To do this, blood, urine, and stool tests, abdominal X-rays, etc. are performed. A stool analysis is extremely important.
Given the impact of the intestine and colon on the health of our body, it is essential for treatment to establish a series of basic hygiene and dietary measures, which can be summarized as follows:
For irritable bowel syndrome, one technique with extraordinary results is colon hydrotherapy.
This therapy is recommended for cases of constipation, chronic diarrhea, intestinal gas, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic blockages, as an adjunct in the treatment of obesity, allergies, detoxification cures, and chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, acne, eczema).
The benefits of colon hydrotherapy are:
