Irritable bowel syndrome, also known simply as IBS, occurs in around 20 percent of adults in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Doctors cannot always pinpoint the cause for the digestive disorder, but changes in diet and adding exercise could improve symptoms. Medications may also offer some relief. Some studies indicate dopamine could have possible benefits, but as of 2011, doctors do not recommend dopamine as a standard treatment for IBS.
Symptoms
Abdominal bloating and discomfort commonly occur in people who have IBS. You may have gas and cramping. Other common symptoms include frequent episodes of diarrhea or constipation, but you could have alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. People with irritable bowel syndrome may also notice mucus in their stool. These symptoms may come and go, or you could experience these symptoms regularly.
Dopamine
A few of the nerve cells in the brain, called neurons, make dopamine, a substance that relays information between the neurons. Dopamine-producing neurons often release dopamine when something positive occurs; the release in these circumstances becomes a learned behavior, meaning some people will seek out the event time and again. You do not know when neurons release dopamine, but the release of this neurotransmitter may promote a short-term feeling of elation or happiness.
Studies
Neurons in your brain produce dopamine, but scientists can also manufacture dopamine. A study published in 1980 in "Current Medical Research and Opinion" and another published in 1985 in the "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" indicate that when IBS patients use dopamine, they experience a marked improvement in their symptoms of IBS. Researchers have not conducted more recent studies related to irritable bowel and dopamine. However, as of 2011, researchers of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, continue to evaluate the role of other neurotransmitters in helping reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Considerations
If you have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, talk with your doctor. She can work with you to formulate a diet plan that could offer some relief from severe symptoms. Your doctor may have you keep a log of your daily food intake and any symptoms you have; this will help her determine foods that may trigger your condition. You may find that drinking water throughout the day and following a diet rich in fiber will provide some relief from your symptoms.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC); Irritable Bowel Syndrome; September 2007
- "Psychology Today"; What Is Dopamine?; Philip Newton, Ph.D.; April 2009
- "Current Medical Research and Opinion"; Use of the Peripheral Dopamine Antagonist, Domperiodone, in the Management of Gastro-Intestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; R. Milo; 1980
- "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Effect of Domperidone and Dopamine on Colonic Motor Activity in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; G. A. Lanfranchi, et al.; 1985
- ClinicalTrials.gov; An Open Label Trial of Duloxetine in the Treatement of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder; June 2011
