Irritable bowel syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and dry eye disease may have hereditary links, according to research. The researchers looked at identical and non-identical twins to conduct their study.
Chronic pain syndromes (CPS) can greatly impact a person’s life. Unfortunately, diagnosing these conditions is often difficult as it relies on the presentation of symptoms in the absence of any measurable biomarkers.
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For the study, researchers looked at over 8,000 sets of twins and used questionnaires to evaluate their chronic pain. Identical twins were compared with non-identical twins.
Chronic pain syndromes were more likely to be found in both twins in the identical twin group, compared to non-identical twins, suggesting a hereditary nature of these chronic pain syndromes.
Lead researcher Dr. Frances Williams said, “This study is one of the first to examine the role of genetic and environmental factors in explaining the links between different chronic pain syndromes. The findings have clearly suggested that CPS may be heritable within families. With further research, these findings could then lead to therapies which may change the lives of those suffering with chronic pain.”
Treating IBS pain with home remedies
Treating IBS usually involves diet changes, but unfortunately there isn’t one specific diet that all patients can follow. Therefore, you will probably have some hard days and some easier days as you figure out what’s safe to eat. One rule of thumb is to watch your fiber as it can contribute to symptom flare.
General eating tips for IBS include:
- Having regular meals
- Drinking plenty of water
- Restricting coffee and tea intake
- Reducing alcohol and fizzy beverages
- Lowering intake of resistant starches
- Limiting fruit consumption to three portions a day
- Avoiding artificial sweeteners, especially if you have diarrhea
Exercise, along with stress management and regular probiotic intake, can also help alleviate IBS symptoms. Some helpful medications for IBS include antispasmodics, laxatives, antimotility medications, and low-dose antidepressants.
Working closely with your doctor will help you uncover most effective treatments for you, but do keep in mind it may involve trial and error. Don’t get discouraged if a method fails. As you are ruling out what doesn’t work, you are one step closer to a treatment that does.
Related Reading:
Irritable bowel syndrome pain relieved by spider venom and peppermint: Study
Recent studies suggest that one can get relief for the pain of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from the most unexpected quarters — spider venom and, hold your breath, peppermint. The full details of the research are published in the journal Nature. Continue reading…
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Irritable bowel syndrome vs. colon cancer: Causes, symptoms, risk factors, and complications
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common gut disorder that shares the same symptoms as colon cancer, making it difficult for people to figure out on their own if they have a bowel condition or, perhaps, something more serious. Continue reading…
Sources:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/newsevents/news/newsrecords/2014/May/Key-genetic-link-between-chronic-pain-conditions-like-IBS-discovered.aspx
//www.belmarrahealth.com/celiac-disease-vs-ibs-differences-in-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
