IBS New Approach
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorder. As many as 1 in 5 people have it, and it is found most often in women and those under the age of 35.
IBS
The symptoms of IBS disrupt the daily routines of those afflicted with it, resulting in both pain and loss of productivity (e.g., calling in sick to work). Recurring symptoms include abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits, constipation and diarrhea.
It is those symptoms that are typically treated by medical professionals, but the new approach to IBS advocated by Dr. Barrett and the Digestive Health Center of Boston (DHCB) takes aim at the likely source of IBS — overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
IBS New Approach
Our treatment protocol, based on the latest research from Dr. Barrett and others, consists of short-term antibiotics, long-term probiotics, and maintenance of a high-fiber diet. This approach has proven to much more effective in reducing symptoms than using either antibiotics or probiotics alone.
Dr. Barrett's Research
Dr. Barrett conducted a retrospective analysis based on 98 patients seen over an 18-month period who had experienced IBS symptoms for at least a year, but in some cases 10-plus years. Their ages ranged from 18 to 88, with half between the ages of 35 and 59.
Patients were given treatment plans involving short-term antibiotics, a long-term series of probiotics, and a high-fiber diet. Of the 98 patients, 75% saw almost a complete elimination of symptoms, whereas 15% noticed a marked improvement and 10% reported minimal changes.
Research conducted by the American College of Gastroenterology and published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology has also pointed to the success of such new approaches to IBS treatment.