Bowel Problems

We have listed below the common illnesses that have an effect on the bowel.

 

IRRITABLE  BOWEL SYNDROME

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder, which can cause troublesome and persistent symptoms.

 

Contractions of the bowel can get out of their normal rhythm causing the muscles to spasm painfully. Sufferers of this condition can experience abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits.

There is no complete cure for IBS. However treatment of symptoms can be achieved by dietary manipulations.

It is important that a person with IBS eats a healthy balanced diet as it is for anyone else, when feeling well.  

 

The Consultant or GP may refer you to a Registered Dietitian to provide specific dietary advice depending on the symptoms. There is no one specific diet for the condition – the symptoms or clinical condition may require the diet to be modified in several different ways

 

If you have experienced some weight loss, check to see if you are underweight, follow the  link below to the web site and you will be able to enter your height and weight and your BMI will be calculated for you.

 

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/magazine/interactive/bmi/index.aspx

 

The dietitian may suggest nutritional supplements which are available on prescription in powder or liquid forms or as a nutritious drink. 

 

It may help to eat more fibre, especially if your symptoms are constipation and hard stools.

 

Some people with IBS experience intolerances to certain foods.   The Dietitian can advise on an Elimination or Exclusion Diet to remove intake of the suspected ‘culprit’ foods.   When the symptoms reduce (about 2-3 weeks) the foods can be reintroduced. The Dietitian will ensure that the diet remains nutritionally adequate throughout.  It should not, therefore, be attempted without the advice and support of a Dietitian, to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies.  These food intolerances should not be regarded as a food allergy.

 

There is increasing interest in the role of prebiotics which can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon and in probiotics which can increase the balance of these bacteria. Both are available in several forms in the supermarkets.

 

This information is should only be used as a guide in seeking further or more individualised information and advice.

 

Further information available from:

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Network

53 Mowbray Street

Sheffield, S3 8EN

Tel  01142 723252

www.ibsnetwork.org.uk

 

-CORE (The Digestive Disorders Foundation)

3 St Andrews Place

LONDON

NW1 4LB

 

Telephone:            020 7486 0341 (this is not a helpline)

Website:            http://www.digestivedisorders.org.uk

e-mail;            info@corecharity.org.uk

 

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

 

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease come under the heading of Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD).   This should not be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is a separate condition and treated differently.

 

In Crohn’s disease any part of the digestive system can be affected whereas in UC, the large intestine or colon is affected.  Patients with either condition can experience weight loss and occasionally diarrhoea.   Treatment includes a variety of medications and occasionally surgery.

 

It is important that a person with either UC or Crohn’s eats a healthy balanced diet as it is for anyone else, when feeling well.  

 

The Consultant or GP may refer you to a Registered Dietitian to provide specific dietary advice depending on the symptoms. There is no one specific diet for either condition – the symptoms or clinical condition may require the diet to be modified in several different ways

 

If you have experienced some weight loss, check to see if you are underweight, follow the link below to the web site and you will be able to enter your height and weight and your BMI will be calculated for you.

 

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/magazine/interactive/bmi/index.aspx

 

The dietitian may suggest nutritional supplements which are available on prescription in powder or liquid forms or as a nutritious drink. 

 

Occasionally in Crohn’s disease the doctor may wish the bowel to be ‘rested’ and prescribe a liquid diet for a short time (usually about 4-8 weeks).  Occasionally a synthetic diet called an elemental diet may be recommended which requires very little digestion and is more easily tolerated.

 

Some people with Crohn’s experience intolerances to certain foods.   The Dietitian can advise on an Elimination or Exclusion Diet to remove intake of the suspected ‘culprit’ foods.   When the symptoms reduce (about 2-3 weeks) the foods can be reintroduced.   The Dietitian will ensure that the diet remains nutritionally adequate throughout.  It should not, therefore, be attempted without the advice and support of a Dietitian, to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies.  These food intolerances should not be regarded as a food allergy.

 

There is increasing interest in the role of prebiotics which can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon and in probiotics which can increase the balance of these bacteria.   Both are available in several forms in the supermarkets.

 

This information is should only be used as a guide in seeking further or more individualised information and advice.

 

Further information available from:

 

The National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (NACC)

4 Beaumont House

Sutton road

St Albans

Hertfordshire

AL1 5HH

 

Information Line:            0845 130 2233 or 01727 844296

N-i-C Support Line:            0845130 3344

Website:                       www.nacc.org.uk

e-mail                           nacc@nacc.org.uk

 

CORE (The Digestive Disorders Foundation)

3 St Andrews Place

LONDON

NW1 4LB

 

Telephone:            020 7486 0341 (this is not a helpline)

Website:            http://www.digestivedisorders.org.uk

e-mail;            info@corecharity.org.uk