Buscopan
Main Use: Irritable bowel syndrome
Active Ingredient: Hyoscine-N-butylbromide
Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany
Abdominal cramps and spasms caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can seriously affect your ability to enjoy life. The unpredictable nature of the condition means that it can strike at any time.
Buscopan IBS Relief provides effective relief from the pain of IBS. Its formulation goes right to the site of the abdominal pain, relaxing the muscles and easing the cramps so that the digestive system can return to normal.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a term used to describe a discomfort of the bowel (the colon, or large intestine). It is known as a 'functional disorder', which is a collection of symptoms that do not have an identifiable cause. The four main symptoms of IBS are: abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
The pain of IBS can fluctuate in intensity and can be extremely painful as nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra-sensitive. However, it does not damage the bowel or cause any diseases.
It has been estimated that between one in three and one in five of the UK population suffer from IBS at some point in their life. The condition can affect people in very different ways. Some sufferers may have occasional mild symptoms, whereas others will experience uncomfortable symptoms for long periods. However, the condition can be very changeable and it is often the case that people will experience a combination of mild and more severe symptoms, with flare-ups from time to time. This unpredictable nature of the condition can be very disturbing and cause a lot of disruption to a sufferer's professional and personal life.
Symptoms:
IBS does not cause any change in the structure of the bowel, therefore it cannot be detected through x-rays, blood tests, stool examinations, or any other diagnostic tests.
IBS should always be diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Doctors are able to diagnose the condition based on a pattern of the primary symptoms of IBS, using criteria set out by a panel of international experts. According to the criteria, IBS is classified as:
A person who has in the past year, suffered for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) from abdominal discomfort or pain that has two out of the following three features:
Pain/discomfort is relieved with bowel movement; and/or
Pain/discomfort is associated with a change in frequency of bowel movement; and/or
Pain/discomfort is associated with a change in appearance of bowel motions.
IBS can affect people in very different ways. There are a number of additional symptoms which may be experienced by IBS sufferers, including:
Rumbling noises and excessive passage of wind
An urgent need to rush to the toilet and faecal incontinence
A sharp pain felt low down inside the rectum
Tiredness
Dizziness
Headaches
Backache
Muscles and joint pains
Passing urine frequently
Ringing in the ears
Belching
Indigestion
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Causes:
There is no known organic cause of IBS. However doctors have highlighted four trigger factors which may worsen symptoms:
Diet:
Eating causes contractions or spasms of the colon. This may result in an urge to have a bowel movement, normally within 30 to 60 minutes after a meal. In people with IBS, the urge may come sooner, with cramps and diarrhoea.
Contractions may be stronger after a large meal or a meal containing a large amount of saturated fat.
Other common food culprits include wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, alcohol and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas. Also gas-producing foods including beans and certain vegetables like broccoli or cabbage.
Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets
Stress and strong emotions can affect the bowel as it is controlled in part by the autonomic nervous system.
The bowel responds to emotions and stressful situations; the colon may contract too much or too little or absorb too much or too little water resulting in constipation or diarrhoea.
Female hormones
Researchers have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can exacerbate IBS problems.
Certain medication
Medication such as iron tablets, painkillers, antibiotics and antacids can also affect the function of the bowel and produce symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea.
Anxiety and depression
Management options:
Before attempting to treat symptoms of IBS, it is essential to seek a formal medical diagnosis of the condition. This will ensure that all other possible causes of your symptoms have been ruled out.
Once diagnosed, there are a number of effective options available which can help to keep symptoms under control and minimise the impact of IBS on your life. It is important to remember that IBS is usually not a life-long problem: for most people, the severity of IBS will decrease over time. Also, it is reassuring to remember that IBS cannot lead to the development of a life-threatening disease.
The helpful advice section of this website offers some useful advice on ways to manage your condition, including dietary advice and lifestyle changes.
Buscopan IBS Relief is an antispasmodic medication which can relieve painful bowel cramps and spasms in medically confirmed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Buscopan was first developed over 50 years ago, to provide relief to people suffering with abdominal pain and discomfort due to cramps of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is now the most popular selling antispasmodic treatment worldwide, sold in more than 50 countries around the world.
Helpful advice:
Abdominal pain and cramps associated with IBS can seriously affect quality of life. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimise the negative effect of abdominal pain caused by IBS. From diet and lifestyle modifications and effective over-the-counter antispasmodic medication - you don't have to let abdominal pain and cramps control your life.
This section of the Buscopan IBS Relief website provides information on how to reduce the impact of abdominal pain and cramps.