Irritable
Bowel Syndrome
by Maria I. Martos
Definition
Periodic
abdominal cramps and irregular bowel movement (constipation and/or
diarrhea) occurring in the absence of disease. This abnormality is
a chronic disturbance of involuntary muscle movement in the large
intestine. Anxiety and chronic stress are believed to be main
causative factors. It is experienced more frequently in females.
Other medical terms used for this condition are “spastic colon” and
“irritable colon syndrome.”
Symptoms
Symptoms
include: Intermittent abdominal pain, distention (swelling) often
on the left side, temporary relief of pain by bowel movement or
expelling gas, fecal mucus, sense of incomplete bowel movement, passing
excessive gas and aggravation of symptoms by eating certain foods.
Other symptoms that may occur are heartburn, back pain, weakness,
agitation, fatigue, reduced appetite and palpitations.
Commonly
Prescribed Treatment
Although
there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are things people
can do to alleviate the symptoms. The most commonly prescribed
treatment is eating a high fiber diet and taking bulk forming agents.
Antispasmodic drugs to relieve muscle spasms and antidiarrheal drugs to
relieve prolonged diarrhea may also be prescribed. Additionally,
careful selection of foods is recommended. If a food repeatedly
causes symptoms, it’s advisable to eliminate it from the diet.
Recommendation
for Massage
Massage
is not contraindicated for people with irritable bowel syndrome as none
of the contraindications for massage are present (i.e., cannot be spread
to other parts of the body, doesn’t cause acute bleeding or
inflammation, is not a disorder of the circulatory system, does not
cause abnormal sensation or loss of integrity in an area and does not
compromise the immune system.) However, if a client is
experiencing an acute episode involving muscle spasms and/or diarrhea,
it’s probably advisable to postpone the massage until symptoms subside
or disappear.
 
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