prescription drugs which include antispasmodics, anticholinergics, anti-diarrhoeals, analgesia, antidepressants, anxiolytics and gut modulators (Shan, 2009). Individuals suffering from IBS may be placed on a variety of medications, depending on the symptoms that are present as well as the sub-class the individual falls under such as IBS-C, IBS-D or IBS-M. Antispasmodics and anticholinergics are a class of medication that are used to inhibit nerve stimulation of muscle contraction along the gastrointestinal tract. These drugs help to prevent spasms and pain that are characteristic symptoms of IBS (Shan, 2009). Anti-diarrheoeals are used to help suppress gut motility which in turn will help to decrease the spams and pain that are related with IBS (Shan,
2009). Antidepressants such as selective serotonin inhibitors and tricyclic’s are used primarily
for pain relief and work by blocking the neuronal re-uptake of the brains neurotransmitters
known as norepinephrine and serotonin, which in turn triggers adaptive changes in nerve
transmission in producing pain relief along with the second benefit of acting as an antidepressant
(Shan, 2009). Visceral analgesics are given to those who suffer from IBS and they work by
helping to remove pain through suppression of pain and nerve impulses (Shan, 2009). Gut
modulators are used for the help with constipation which is characteristic of IBS-C. These drugs
work by inhibiting the nerve signals involved in gut motility which cause the gastrointestinal
muscle spasms and pain common with IBS (Shan, 2009). Probiotics are recommended to help
restore the intestinal microbiota and help prevent gastrointestinal infections (Iacob, Tatulescu, &
Dumitrascu, 2017). Practitioners recommend those suffering from IBS to follow a specific
dietary guideline such as, eating regularly by not rushing to finish a meal and not skipping any
meals, drink at least eight cups of fluid throughout the day and limit the intake of high-fiber
foods and protein. Soluble fiber such as oats and flaxseed are beneficial to those diagnosed with
IBS as it helps to relive cramping and regulate function by soothing the intestinal wall with a
stabilizing gel (Shan, 2009). Individuals with IBS may be treated with various types of
prescriptions to gain relief from characteristic IBS symptoms and it may vary between different
types of subclasses of IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M.
Complementary and alternative therapy.
Complementary and alternative therapy have been used with individuals diagnosed with
IBS. There are variety of therapies that are used but the most beneficial therapy with the greatest
effects are treatments that place emphasis on the person rather than focusing solemnly on the
symptoms (Shan, 2009). The focus for conventional therapy for IBS is the connection between
stress and anxiety and the effects on the gastrointestinal tract. One type of treatment that is used
on individuals diagnosed with IBS is the use of yoga.
Yoga
aids individuals in reducing stress
and to improve overall health. The discipline of yoga, with its origins from the ancient Hindu
religion, is traditionally practiced for individuals to attain unity with the mind, body and
spirituality (Schumann et al., 2016). Research has been conducted on the effects of yoga with the
different sub-classes of IBS. The research on the use of yoga as a
