Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM• 189IRRITABLE BOWELSYNDROME (IBS)Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common intestinal disorder. It afflicts10–20 percent of adults in parts of the developed world, and twice as manywomen as men. It often starts in early adulthood and, although distressing, is notlife-threatening. Formerly known as irritable colon syndrome or spastic colon,IBS tends to be intermittent.Symptoms• Alternating constipation and diarrhea.• Cramping pains in the lower abdomen andsometimes the feeling of not having emptiedthe bowel on passing stools.• Production of copious amounts of flatulence,the passing of which usually brings relief.CausesThere may be several causes of IBS. The basicone is a disturbance in the action of the largeintestinal muscle. This may be the result ofstress at work or due to emotional upset, forexample, or of fear, such as that of seriousillness. It may be the result of a low-fiberdiet or an intolerance of wheat, corn, dairyproducts, fruits, tea, coffee, or vegetables.IBS may also be due to an overgrowthof organisms such as Candida albicansin the digestive tract, to the excessive useof laxatives, or to spinal maladjustment thataffects nerves serving the digestive system.Conventional careIBS is treated with antispasmodic drugsand other painkillers, antidiarrheal drugs,and a high-fiber diet. Counseling may berecommended for those suffering fromstress. Diagnosis is made after ruling outthe possibility of other ailments with similarsymptoms, such as ulcerative colitis or cancer.A physical examination may include thepassing of an instrument into the anus andcolon—a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy—ora barium enema, which outlines the inside ofthe intestine.Homeopathic medicineA homeopathic practitioner will take a fullmedical history, paying particular attention tofood preferences and IBS triggers. Constitutionalremedies will be determined largely by anindividual’s symptoms (see page 18), but certainremedies have an affinity with the colon.Argentum nit. is indicated for irritation of themucous membranes of the intestine andproblems with the control of the gut by theautonomic nervous system. Cantharis isassociated with inflammation of the wholegastrointestinal tract, especially the lower bowel.Colocynthis is also used to treat irritation of thegastrointestinal tract. Other constitutionalremedies often used are Arsen. alb., Carbo veg.,Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, and China.Remedies for acute symptoms includeArgentum nit., for excessive flatulence,constipation alternating with diarrhea, painin the left, upper abdomen, mucus in thestools, fluttering in the stomach, and greatapprehension. Colocynthis is prescribed forgriping pains that are relieved by bendingdouble or applying pressure to the abdomen,and that are associated with anger. Cantharisis particularly suitable for treating womenwho have burning abdominal pains, cystitis,great thirst, nausea, and vomiting.LifestyleRelaxation techniques will help stress-relatedproblems. Fluid intake should be increased, butalcohol consumption reduced. Regular mealsand exercise are both essential. If a particularfood is believed to aggravate the condition, itshould be eliminated from the diet for at leastfour days, and then reintroduced and symptomsobserved. A nutritionist can advise about thisand dietary changes that might be beneficial.An osteopath or physiotherapist may be able tohelp if there is spinal maladjustment.CAUTION• If symptoms are associated withpersistent weight loss, consult a doctor.• If there is fever and blood in the feces,see a doctor within 12 hours.• Symptoms should be investigatedpromptly in patients over 50 in order torule out cancer.CASE HISTORYAlf was a 42-year-old construction workerwho experienced periods of loose bowelmovements and lower abdominal spasmslasting for a couple of months. This hadbegun two years before—after the breakupof a relationship. He was takingantispasmodic and antidiarrheal drugs.PERSONAL DETAILSAlf was convinced that his symptoms werestress-induced. He would get diarrhea, forexample, if he was lonely. He often woketerrified in the middle of the night.FOOD PREFERENCESAlf had very few likes and dislikes,and no foods seemed to aggravate hiscondition. He had a great thirst, mainlyfor acidic drinks. Lemon juice relievedhis symptoms.FEARSAlf feared darkness, looking into deep water,and being alone, and worried that dogsmight attack him. He hated cemeteries andanything connected with death.GENERAL DETAILSAlf slept badly and snored loudly. Hecomplained of thrush, ear infections, badbreath, dry skin, and fatigue. He was betterin company, and for light and warmth.He was incontinent when frightened.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPSince Alf’s condition was related toemotional stress, he was givenStramonium. A month later he was muchbetter but still complained of abdominalspasms and colicky pains in theintestines. He was prescribed Cuprum.At his next appointment, he revealedthat a preference for masturbationhad contributed to the failure of hisrelationship. He was given Bufo for thismasturbatory tendency. A month later, hisbowels were much better as a result ofthe Cuprum. He felt that he had come toterms with his sexuality, and he had a newrelationship. He rarely suffered pain ordiarrhea, but was still not happy on hisown. Stramonium was repeated. Alf wasnot seen for eight months, when IBSrecurred due to stress. Stramonium wasagain given, since when Alf has been fine.