MANAGEMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME THROUGH AYURVEDA- A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common conditions encountered in clinical practice. IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any organic cause. Certain psychological symptoms are also more common in patients with IBS. Diarrhea and constipation may predominate or they may alternate in cases. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety etc. plays an important role in development of IBS. IBS in Ayurveda can be correlated with conditions like Grahani, Atisara, Pravahika and Acharya Charaka has told about the inter dependance of Shareerika and Manasika Doshas. In this case, an effort has been made to treat a 21-year-old female patient having symptoms like Diarrhea immediately after food followed by constipation for 3-4 days alternatively along with bloating of abdomen, epigastric pain, weight loss and anxiety. Patient took Panchakola Yavagu, Kaidaryaadi kashayam, Kalashakaadi Kashayam and Manasamitravatakam and Shatphala Grutham for a period of 90 days which resulted in improvement of symptoms. Improvement of symptoms were accessed as per IBS symptom severity score, IBS quality of life questioner, Bristol stool chart, Hamilton anxiety rating scale and Hamilton depression rating scale pre and post treatment.