A Systematic Review of Alternative Therapies in IBS
07/14/03 03:17 PM
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Heather
Reged: 12/09/02
Posts: 7799
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Spanier et al. Arch Intern Med.2003; 163: 265-274.
A Systematic Review of Alternative Therapies in IBS
A recent study conducted by the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL found that irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder associated with a significant burden of illness, poor quality of life, high rates of absenteeism, and high health care utilization. Management can be difficult and treatment unrewarding; these facts have led physicians and patients toward alternative therapies. They explored a variety of treatments that exist beyond the scope of commonly used therapies for irritable bowel syndrome. Guarded optimism exists for traditional Chinese medicine and psychological therapies, but further well-designed trials are needed. Oral cromolyn sodium may be useful in chronic unexplained diarrhea and appears as effective as and safer than elimination diets. The roles of lactose and fructose intolerance remain poorly understood. Alterations of enteric flora may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome, but supporting evidence for bacterial overgrowth or probiotic therapy is lacking.
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-------------------- Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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