Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Is Medication The Answer?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a commonly diagnosed condition classified as a combination of symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, cramps, gas and bloating. Often issues resolve after a bowel movement. 

This array of symptoms (which do not necessarily need to be in conjunction with each other) presents as undiagnosed food sensitivity, especially because IBS  is not a degenerative condition – as we see it in people of all ages- primarily diagnosed earlier in life.

This ailment is unique because it manifests in patients much younger than in typical conditions.

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosed?

So what happens when Irritable Bowel Syndrome is suspected? 

First, one would present with the symptoms listed above, and the Doctor would ask a series of questions. These usually relate to symptoms, and some issues related to the person’s regular diet can vary considerably depending on the physician.

Next, there would be a series of tests requisitioned. Again, depending on the Doctor, the variety of tests can vary widely, ranging from stool samples to blood tests and sometimes even MRIs.

Once the results of each of these tests come back negative, a process that can take a couple of days or weeks of simple testing or, for some, a long, harrowing tale of medical procedures, then and only then will the patient be diagnosed with IBS. 

We call this process a diagnosis of exclusion; it’s a conclusion drawn by the process of elimination, meaning we decide that a patient has Irritable Bowel Syndrome when nothing else can be determined.

What comes next?

Once a person has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the variations of what happens next are astounding and based primarily on the patient’s personality;

Will they fill every prescription offered to them and continue managing symptoms? 

Will they take matters into their own hands and seek alternative advice, perhaps in the natural health world? 

Will they do their research and be able to investigate any food sensitivities on their own? 

All of these are options.

The inconsistencies in how this condition is diagnosed and dealt with tell me the allopathic establishment does not have a firm handle on what is causing IBS. 

In my (very) humble experience, the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome rectify once food sensitivities are identified, removed, and the gut is re-balanced. 

This process sounds easier than it is and requires a personal commitment, but if engagement and action exist, so does relief.

Book a free meet and greet with me to learn more about food sensitivities and IBS.

Disclaimer

This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Now I would like to hear from you. Do you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? What have you tried to help your symptoms? Let us know in the comments below.