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5. Anxiety
Anxiety increases other symptoms of IBS. It changes the energy patterns throughout the body. Stress impacts the speed which stool takes to pass through the intestines. It affects the secretion of digestive enzymes. All of these factors are reasons why stress management is such an important factor in the successful treatment of IBS.
Having a chronic illness produces anxiety, and so a cycle may develop that results in increased anxiety and abdominal distress. Sometimes medications are prescribed to help relieve stress. Relaxation techniques and counseling can help sufferers of IBS break the cycle of anxiety and IBS symptoms. Tools and techniques that offer relief include relaxation training, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis, and guided imagery.
Studies show that improving time management skills, utilizing progressive muscle relaxation techniques, practicing breathing exercises, and engaging in assertiveness training classes help to reduce symptoms of IBS.
Many experts believe that interventions that help to relieve anxiety are the most under-prescribed and valuable tools available for the treatment of IBS.
We go over the differences between irritable bowel syndrome vs inflammatory bowel syndrome so you know what to expact from diagnosis to treatment.
