Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Paper
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Rasmussen College
This research is being submitted on March 2, 2012, for NU205/HUN2202 Nutrition Course.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that can cause abdominal pain and cramping, and changes in bowel movements (“Irritable bowel syndrome”, 2011). Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional GI disorder (Lehrer, 2012). IBS affects a person’s colon, also known as the large intestine, but it does not cause permanent damage, which is a good thing (“Clinic Staff”, 2011)! Other symptoms can be diarrhea, constipation, and bloating gas (“Clinic staff”, 2011). Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be a very troublesome disease, causing heaps of symptoms, pain, …show more content…
and cutting a variety of foods out of a person’s diet.
There are special dietary needs that are related to this disease. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help a person find relief from IBS (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Fiber should be incorporated into a person’s diet, it helps constipation to be reduced, but, it could make cramping and gases worse (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). There is also the option of taking a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). There are an assortment of problematic foods that can make symptoms worse, so a person diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome needs to learn them and try to avoid them if at all possible (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Eating smaller meals can help relieve diarrhea (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Drinking plenty of liquids will help a person from becoming dehydrated, which could happen if diarrhea is occurring (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011).
There are quite a few foods that can be problematic to the colon. Common ones include caffeinated drinks, such as sodas, alcohol, chocolate, dairy products; and sugar-free sweeteners (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can make symptoms worse if gas is a problem. (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Also fatty foods can be challenging (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Using drinking straws or chewing gum will make a person swallow more air, which can cause more gas (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Greasy foods can increase the strength of contractions in the intestines (Bolen, 2011). Some whole grains can be problematic, including wheat, rye, and barley (Bolen, 2011). These grains can have insoluble fibers that can irritate people’s digestive systems (Bolen, 2011). Raw fruits can also be a problem, such as melons and citrus fruits (Bolen, 2011). Vegetables can be hard on the digestive system as well (Bolen, 2011). Raw vegetables, for example onions, scallions, and red peppers, and gas producing vegetables can be the certain ones that can be hard (Bolen, 2011). Artificial Sweeteners are often poorly tolerated, and can cause gas and bloating (Bolen, 2011). Some products from artificial sweeteners are sugar-free gum, sugar substitute packets, and sugar-free ice cream (Bolen, 2011). Spicy foods can attribute to abdominal pains (Bolen, 2011). Nuts and seeds have a high fat content which can be a problem (Bolen, 2011).
Nursing considerations will definitely include teaching the patient about the disease and how it can be treated (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). “Successful management relies on a strong patient-provider relationship” (Lehrer, 2012). Prescriptions can also be described that can help with symptoms (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). A nurse needs to be able to help the patient with their new lifestyle changes, which will allow the patient to not get too stressed out (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). Also a nurse needs to remind the patient about regular exercise, and make sure the patient understands the need to get regular physical examinations (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). Regular examinations will enhance the patient-provider relationship (Lehrer, 2012). This is important for patients who have been recently diagnosed with IBS; it allows the patient to discuss their problems, and achievements with their provider (Lehrer, 2012). Once patients are more educated, visits can become less frequent (Lehrer, 2012). The most important thing that a nurse can stress to a patient that is diagnosed is the fact that this diagnosis still will allow a normal life expectancy; it is not a fatal disease (Lehrer, 2012).
Patient education can be a key source of how well the patient can manage their Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis. It is “the cornerstone of successful treatment of irritable bowel syndrome” (Lehrer, 2012). Patients must be taught to acknowledge stressors, or foods that will trigger symptoms, and develop techniques to avoid those stressors (Lehrer, 2012). The patient needs to be told that their life expectancy will not change, it will remain normal (Lehrer, 2012). Also, dieticians can help patients figure out their problematic foods and make a plan to help them avoid those foods.
There are support groups that a patient can be referred to for additional help (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). One website that can be used is www.helpforibs.com (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). This website offers a variety of different support methods (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). It includes what IBS is, recipes which help with diet, offers supplements, and has message boards and support groups (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). There also is a phone number available in which patients can call for support (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). Patients can also be educated on medications that can help their symptoms (Lehrer, 2012).
Agents that can help manage symptoms include antidiarrheals, prokinetics, anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, bulk-forming laxatives, chloride channel activators, and serotonin receptor antagonists (Lehrer, 2012). There is one medication that is approved for diarrhea that is predominated by IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). That medication is Lotronex (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Lotronex is only for severe chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome with the main problem being diarrhea (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). A side effect of Lotronex can be severe bowel problems (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Amitiza is the only medication that is FDA approved to treat adults with IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). It must not be used if a patient has a bowel obstruction (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Antidepressants are now used to treat IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
Although antidepressants were developed to treat depression, research studies have shown that they can also be effective in reducing pain.
Antidepressants are, therefore, effective in treating symptoms of IBS and other functional GI disorders. Patients who have taken antidepressants for their IBS symptoms have reported significant improvement in their abdominal pain and reduction in other IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea or urgency. Patients who have been taking antidepressants should be aware of the possibility of developing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome, or SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome, upon rapid stopping or tapering the use of antidepressants. (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011, para. …show more content…
4).
It is very interesting that antidepressants work for improving abdominal pain for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Antispasmodics and Antidiarrheals can help in reducing painful, periodic episodes of spasms and diarrhea (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
“Probiotics are dietary supplements which contain beneficial or friendly bacteria or yeasts which may strengthen or exert health benefits to the body’s natural digestive system” (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). In short, probiotics help restore the bowel’s friendly bacteria (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). They restore the natural balance in the digestive system (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Studies have shown advantages for people who suffer from the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Probiotics which contain bifidobacterium infantis 35624 can help relieve bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. “There is some research evidence suggesting that IBS symptoms may be caused in part by an abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine, referred to as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)” (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Rifaximin, and other regiments of antibiotics, can be used to treat this condition (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very interesting disease. It can be hard to manage, but, once the right regiment is found, it is very manageable. Dieticians can help in this process by picking out the correct diet to control symptoms. Medications can help symptoms, along with supplements, like Metamucil. Making sure patients drink plenty of liquids, and change their diets according to problematic foods that flair symptoms, can make Irritable Bowel Syndrome manageable, and alleviate much stress caused by the disease from patients. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be a very troublesome disease, causing heaps of symptoms, pain, and cutting a variety of foods out of a person’s diet.
References
Bolen, Barbara (2011, September 15).
IBS Trigger Foods. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, Treatment and Diet. Retrieved from http://ibs.about.com/od/ibsfood/a/triggerfoods.
Bristow, N. (2005, March 8). Understanding the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome | Practice | Nursing Times. Nursing practice and peer-reviewed clinical research for all nurses. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/understanding-the-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome/203962.article.
Clinic Staff. (2011, July 28). Irritable bowel syndrome - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106.
Irritable bowel syndrome - PubMed Health. (2011, July 22). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001292/.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs | IBSgroup.org. (2011, October 26). A Community for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Digestive Health Sufferers | IBSgroup.org. Retrieved from
http://www.ibsgroup.org/medications.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education. Learn all about an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis, IBS treatments, the Eating for IBS diet, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptom management. (2012, February 16). Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education. Learn all about an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis, IBS treatments, the Eating for IBS diet, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptom management. . Retrieved from http://www.helpforibs.com/.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies - MayoClinic.com. (2011, July 29). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.
Lehrer, J. (2012, January 13). Medscape: Medscape Access. Medscape: Medscape Access. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389.
NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (2011, April 8). Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved from http://nurse-thought.blogspot.com/2011/04/ncp-nursing-care-plan-for-irritable.html.
Rasmussen College
This research is being submitted on March 2, 2012, for NU205/HUN2202 Nutrition Course.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that can cause abdominal pain and cramping, and changes in bowel movements (“Irritable bowel syndrome”, 2011). Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional GI disorder (Lehrer, 2012). IBS affects a person’s colon, also known as the large intestine, but it does not cause permanent damage, which is a good thing (“Clinic Staff”, 2011)! Other symptoms can be diarrhea, constipation, and bloating gas (“Clinic staff”, 2011). Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be a very troublesome disease, causing heaps of symptoms, pain, …show more content…
and cutting a variety of foods out of a person’s diet.
There are special dietary needs that are related to this disease. Changes in diet and lifestyle can help a person find relief from IBS (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Fiber should be incorporated into a person’s diet, it helps constipation to be reduced, but, it could make cramping and gases worse (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). There is also the option of taking a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). There are an assortment of problematic foods that can make symptoms worse, so a person diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome needs to learn them and try to avoid them if at all possible (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Eating smaller meals can help relieve diarrhea (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Drinking plenty of liquids will help a person from becoming dehydrated, which could happen if diarrhea is occurring (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011).
There are quite a few foods that can be problematic to the colon. Common ones include caffeinated drinks, such as sodas, alcohol, chocolate, dairy products; and sugar-free sweeteners (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can make symptoms worse if gas is a problem. (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Also fatty foods can be challenging (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Using drinking straws or chewing gum will make a person swallow more air, which can cause more gas (“Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies”, 2011). Greasy foods can increase the strength of contractions in the intestines (Bolen, 2011). Some whole grains can be problematic, including wheat, rye, and barley (Bolen, 2011). These grains can have insoluble fibers that can irritate people’s digestive systems (Bolen, 2011). Raw fruits can also be a problem, such as melons and citrus fruits (Bolen, 2011). Vegetables can be hard on the digestive system as well (Bolen, 2011). Raw vegetables, for example onions, scallions, and red peppers, and gas producing vegetables can be the certain ones that can be hard (Bolen, 2011). Artificial Sweeteners are often poorly tolerated, and can cause gas and bloating (Bolen, 2011). Some products from artificial sweeteners are sugar-free gum, sugar substitute packets, and sugar-free ice cream (Bolen, 2011). Spicy foods can attribute to abdominal pains (Bolen, 2011). Nuts and seeds have a high fat content which can be a problem (Bolen, 2011).
Nursing considerations will definitely include teaching the patient about the disease and how it can be treated (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). “Successful management relies on a strong patient-provider relationship” (Lehrer, 2012). Prescriptions can also be described that can help with symptoms (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). A nurse needs to be able to help the patient with their new lifestyle changes, which will allow the patient to not get too stressed out (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). Also a nurse needs to remind the patient about regular exercise, and make sure the patient understands the need to get regular physical examinations (“NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, 2011). Regular examinations will enhance the patient-provider relationship (Lehrer, 2012). This is important for patients who have been recently diagnosed with IBS; it allows the patient to discuss their problems, and achievements with their provider (Lehrer, 2012). Once patients are more educated, visits can become less frequent (Lehrer, 2012). The most important thing that a nurse can stress to a patient that is diagnosed is the fact that this diagnosis still will allow a normal life expectancy; it is not a fatal disease (Lehrer, 2012).
Patient education can be a key source of how well the patient can manage their Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis. It is “the cornerstone of successful treatment of irritable bowel syndrome” (Lehrer, 2012). Patients must be taught to acknowledge stressors, or foods that will trigger symptoms, and develop techniques to avoid those stressors (Lehrer, 2012). The patient needs to be told that their life expectancy will not change, it will remain normal (Lehrer, 2012). Also, dieticians can help patients figure out their problematic foods and make a plan to help them avoid those foods.
There are support groups that a patient can be referred to for additional help (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). One website that can be used is www.helpforibs.com (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). This website offers a variety of different support methods (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). It includes what IBS is, recipes which help with diet, offers supplements, and has message boards and support groups (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). There also is a phone number available in which patients can call for support (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education”, 2012). Patients can also be educated on medications that can help their symptoms (Lehrer, 2012).
Agents that can help manage symptoms include antidiarrheals, prokinetics, anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, bulk-forming laxatives, chloride channel activators, and serotonin receptor antagonists (Lehrer, 2012). There is one medication that is approved for diarrhea that is predominated by IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). That medication is Lotronex (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Lotronex is only for severe chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome with the main problem being diarrhea (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). A side effect of Lotronex can be severe bowel problems (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Amitiza is the only medication that is FDA approved to treat adults with IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). It must not be used if a patient has a bowel obstruction (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Antidepressants are now used to treat IBS (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
Although antidepressants were developed to treat depression, research studies have shown that they can also be effective in reducing pain.
Antidepressants are, therefore, effective in treating symptoms of IBS and other functional GI disorders. Patients who have taken antidepressants for their IBS symptoms have reported significant improvement in their abdominal pain and reduction in other IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea or urgency. Patients who have been taking antidepressants should be aware of the possibility of developing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome, or SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome, upon rapid stopping or tapering the use of antidepressants. (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011, para. …show more content…
4).
It is very interesting that antidepressants work for improving abdominal pain for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Antispasmodics and Antidiarrheals can help in reducing painful, periodic episodes of spasms and diarrhea (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
“Probiotics are dietary supplements which contain beneficial or friendly bacteria or yeasts which may strengthen or exert health benefits to the body’s natural digestive system” (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). In short, probiotics help restore the bowel’s friendly bacteria (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). They restore the natural balance in the digestive system (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Studies have shown advantages for people who suffer from the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Probiotics which contain bifidobacterium infantis 35624 can help relieve bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. “There is some research evidence suggesting that IBS symptoms may be caused in part by an abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine, referred to as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)” (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011). Rifaximin, and other regiments of antibiotics, can be used to treat this condition (“Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs”, 2011).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very interesting disease. It can be hard to manage, but, once the right regiment is found, it is very manageable. Dieticians can help in this process by picking out the correct diet to control symptoms. Medications can help symptoms, along with supplements, like Metamucil. Making sure patients drink plenty of liquids, and change their diets according to problematic foods that flair symptoms, can make Irritable Bowel Syndrome manageable, and alleviate much stress caused by the disease from patients. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be a very troublesome disease, causing heaps of symptoms, pain, and cutting a variety of foods out of a person’s diet.
References
Bolen, Barbara (2011, September 15).
IBS Trigger Foods. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, Treatment and Diet. Retrieved from http://ibs.about.com/od/ibsfood/a/triggerfoods.
Bristow, N. (2005, March 8). Understanding the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome | Practice | Nursing Times. Nursing practice and peer-reviewed clinical research for all nurses. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/understanding-the-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome/203962.article.
Clinic Staff. (2011, July 28). Irritable bowel syndrome - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106.
Irritable bowel syndrome - PubMed Health. (2011, July 22). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001292/.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Medications and Drugs | IBSgroup.org. (2011, October 26). A Community for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Digestive Health Sufferers | IBSgroup.org. Retrieved from
http://www.ibsgroup.org/medications.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education. Learn all about an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis, IBS treatments, the Eating for IBS diet, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptom management. (2012, February 16). Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Help For IBS Treatments, Diet & IBS Education. Learn all about an Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosis, IBS treatments, the Eating for IBS diet, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptom management. . Retrieved from http://www.helpforibs.com/.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies - MayoClinic.com. (2011, July 29). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.
Lehrer, J. (2012, January 13). Medscape: Medscape Access. Medscape: Medscape Access. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389.
NCP Nursing Care Plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (2011, April 8). Nursing Care Plans. Retrieved from http://nurse-thought.blogspot.com/2011/04/ncp-nursing-care-plan-for-irritable.html.