Five Reasons Why IBS Is Not All in Your Head
“It’s all in your head” is the oft-quoted diagnosis by those ignorant of even the most basic of IBS research. Certainly the lack of physical findings on standard diagnostic testing adds to the frustration and insecurity regarding a diagnosis of IBS. This insecurity can be offset by knowing that research is pointing to identifiable physical changes in IBS.
- Motility Dysfunction in IBS
- Visceral Hypersensitivity and IBS
- The Brain Gut Connection in IBS
- Inflammation and IBS
- Gut Bacteria and IBS
Further Research on the Causes of IBS
Beyond the physical changes that may be related to IBS symptoms, research has branched into other areas looking for information as to what causes IBS. The diversity of these areas of inquiry reflect the complicated nature of IBS itself. Whether it be looking at what effect stress has on digestive functioning, looking as specific symptoms, or identifying a subset of IBS, you can find assurance that researchers are working hard to find some helpful answers.
Treatment of IBS
It seems like daily a new research study is published looking at the effectiveness of various treatments on reducing symptoms of IBS. Each new study brings an improved awareness of treatment options that are safe and effective. The first study listed below provides a summary of research-driven treatment recommendations, while the others provide an in-depth look at specific forms of treatment.
- IBS Management Guidelines 2009
- Medication for Constipation Predominant IBS
- Medication for Diarrhea Predominant IBS
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS
- Hypnotherapy for IBS
- Does Acupuncture Help IBS?
Look-Alike Disorders
In the search for a fuller understanding of IBS, researchers have looked to uncover health problems that may look and feel like IBS, but have a different identifiable cause. The following articles provide you with an overview of some of the more common health conditions that may be behind your IBS.
- Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food Allergies and IBS
- Fructose Intolerance and IBS
- IBS and Sugar Intolerance
- Is Your IBS Really Celiac Disease?
- IBS and IBD – How do we tell them apart?
IBS and Other Symptoms and Disorders
IBS patients often find themselves dealing with a variety of non-IBS symptoms and other health problems at the same time. These other symptoms and other illnesses seem to happen to IBS patients at a higher rate than what is seen in the general population. In the quest for further understanding of IBS, researchers have been delving into the questions as to why this might be.
Daily Life
Quality of life can be tremendously impacted by IBS symptoms. In the past, this impact has been overlooked and minimized by traditional medicine. Things have changed. Researchers have begun to look at the impact of IBS on daily activities, as well as the impact of daily activities on IBS. Here is a sampling of some of this research:
