IBS: 5 things you need to know

I started specialising in working with IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, when my daughter was diagnosed with it, but I’ve found there are many myths and misconceptions around. Here are a few things you can rely on.

1. IBS is not caused by stress

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a “functional disorder”. In other words, there is no single cause because it’s to do with the way your digestive system works. Stress often brings about a flare-up of symptoms because stress hormones also affect the way your gut works. The combination of the two can make your condition worse but the stress doesn’t actually cause your IBS.

2. Children can get IBS

Typically diagnosed in your 20s, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can affect you at any age. Children are also affected, although most statistics don’t distinguish between IBS and other tummy upsets. An American study showed it could affect up to 14% of High School children and 6% of those in Middle School.

3. IBS can be seriously debilitating

As with many similar conditions, IBS isn’t the same for everyone who has it. Some experience mild discomfort from time to time, while others have frequent and very severe symptoms of abdominal cramping, pain, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence (passing wind), dizziness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and bloating. This can have an impact on their social lives and even on their ability to work.

4. IBS cannot lead to other problems

As I’ve said, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition, not a disease. It’s about the way your body works. It is completely separate from bowel cancer or Crohn’s, which are diseases, and colitis, which is inflammation. However, if your IBS symptoms change, especially if you start passing blood, you need to seek medical advice to rule out these other problems. They may develop separately,

5. Hypnotherapy can help with physical conditions like IBS

Because IBS is about the way your gut works, it’s not possible to “cure” it. However, controlling and reducing the symptoms can make a huge difference. Hypnotherapy is a well-evidenced method of offering pain control and stress reduction. Since stress aggravates IBS, and pain is one of the most debilitating aspects of living with it, a course of hypnotherapy focussing on these two areas alone can lead to huge improvements in your quality of life.

Contact me if you want to know more.