Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits that cannot be readily explained by the presence of any other condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, infection or anatomical problems. According to a December 2005 "American Family Physician" review, 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population is affected by IBS. If you have IBS, you may be considering herbal laxatives, such as senna, to relieve your symptoms. Ask your doctor if such remedies are appropriate for you.
Cause
The underlying cause of IBS is unknown. Altered gastrointestinal motility leading to constipation or diarrhea, or both, is a unifying factor among IBS patients. Abnormal nervous stimulation of your intestinal wall could play a role, as could disturbances in your central nervous system's response to eating or inappropriate production of chemicals that alter your bowel activity. Stress is a triggering factor for some people with IBS, but you may not be able to identify stress as a cause of your symptoms.
Types
"The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" reports that there are two major clinical types of IBS. In constipation-predominant IBS, bloating, gas, nausea and abdominal pain develop due to slowed intestinal activity and buildup of stool. Your symptoms usually resolve following a bowel movement. People with this type of IBS sometimes use laxatives, such as senna, to relieve their symptoms. Diarrhea-predominant IBS is characterized by sudden or explosive diarrhea that frequently occurs upon arising or during or immediately after eating. Pain and bloating are typical symptoms in this type of IBS as well.
Senna
Senna is an herbal laxative derived from the leaves, stems and flowers of Cassia plants. It exerts its effects by inhibiting absorption of water and electrolytes from your colon, thereby increasing the volume and pressure of your intestinal contents. In addition, senna stimulates the production of chemicals called prostaglandins which increase your intestinal activity. Although senna is an effective laxative, it can worsen abdominal cramping. Furthermore, the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" reports that long-term use of senna can inhibit intestinal activity, due to the loss of potassium through your colon. This could actually aggravate your IBS.
Considerations
IBS is an intestinal disorder that can be characterized by either diarrhea or constipation, and many patients alternate between the two. If you have constipation-predominant IBS, increase your dietary fiber and fluid intake and get some exercise. Judicious use of laxatives, such as senna, can be helpful, but these remedies can be associated with significant side effects. Senna is available in several different formulations, including tablets, liquid and granules, and in multiple strengths. Follow product directions. If you have IBS, senna should be used only under the supervision of your physician.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome; S.K. Hadley, S.M. Gaarder; December 2005
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-in-Chief; 2006
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medications, 2nd Edition: Senna"; Thomas Fleming, Pharm. D., Chief Editor; 2000
