Dryden
Brown Ltd
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IRRITABLE
BOWEL SYNDROME
A symptom
of irritable bowel syndrome is a cramping, tight feeling
in the abdomen, particularly after a meal. This is accompanied
by irregular bowel movements with alternating hard movements
(constipation) and diarrhoea.
It
is not known exactly why irritable bowel syndrome occurs
but it is known that all kinds of factors have their influence
on intestinal movement. The movement may be either large
or small. This is why diarrhoea alternates with constipation.
The complaint can also be caused by the wrong choice of
food and lack of physical exercise.
What
you can do yourself
Eat
low fat and high-fibre foods. You may also add extra
fibre to your food (ask for this at the pharmacy).
Eating enough wholemeal bread, fruit, raw vegetables,
lean meat or fish is often quite adequate. Ensure
that you drink enough. This means 3 pints (1.5 litres)
per day (minimum) or about 10 cups or 6 glasses. Take
regular physical exercise. For instance, where there
is the choice always walk, or go running or take at
least three quarters of an hour's walk each day. Eat
regularly and go to the toilet as soon as you feel
the need. Consider whether stress might be having
an influence (see section about stress).
Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Contact
your doctor
If intestinal cramps as described above persist longer
than 2 weeks, and this is the first time that you
have had them. (This is to exclude any other illnesses.)
If the pattern of bowel movements which you are used
to changes without warning, that is to say, whether
you need to go more often or perhaps less often to
the toilet. If you have persistent constipation or
diarrhoea for more than two weeks go to the doctor.
If you are losing blood and/or mucus with the movement.
If your appetite reduces or you lose weight without
clear reason. A person's weight stays very constant
if their lifestyle does not alter, that is, if the
amount of food and exercise remain the same. If you
lose more than 7lb (3kg) without reason go to the
doctor.
To order
your copy of a What should I do? booklet
use one of the following methods:
On-line
Shop
Phone: +44 (0) 23 8022
9041
Fax: +44 (0) 23
8022 7274
 
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