Homoeopathic Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Study

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is the most common reason for referral to gastroenterologists. The global mean prevalence of IBS ranges from 1.1% in France and Iran to 35.5% in Mexico. Patients often experience the onset of symptoms as young adults and most patients have their first symptoms before the age of 35. IBS has both physiological and psychological determinants. Factors such as altered gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function; altered gut microbiota and disturbance of brain-gut interaction are variably involved, depending upon the individual. Currently, there is no agreement on the best form of treatment for IBS. Homoeopathy can be explored as a valid treatment option for IBS as it is holistic, cost effectiveness and free of side effects. In the present study, homoeopathic medicines were prescribed in 30/200/1 M potency after detailed case taking, case analysis and repertorization. The results presented are after six months of follow up. The patients reported highly significant improvement in majority of symptomatic assessment parameters (highly significant P<0.01; P<0.001).
Keywords: Homoeopathy, functional disorder, IBS