Patients often come to our Allmedica practice in Puerto de Andratx with abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. The first thought is that they have similar travel complaints. In conversation, we as a German clinic on Mallorca often find out that neither travel nor stress are behind the symptoms, but that many things point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also called nervous bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.
Those affected complain of abdominal pain for no apparent reason, which manifests itself as a pulling, cramping pain in the entire abdominal area. After a detailed examination by a German doctor on Mallorca, we can usually rule out serious illnesses and advise a conscious diet, exercise and “home remedies”. This is because irritable bowel syndrome is not dangerous and does not need to be treated in a mild form.
What triggers irritable bowel syndrome?
Experts are still not quite sure what triggers irritable bowel syndrome. One cause can be a gastrointestinal infection that occurred years ago, as well as viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Psychological factors such as heavy mental stress and nervousness also affect our intestines and can trigger or promote irritable bowel syndrome.
It is important for us as a doctor’s practice in Puerto de Andratx to be able to exclude a serious illness, e.g. by means of colonoscopy, and to be able to give our irritable bowel patients useful tips for a pleasant feeling in the stomach.
Can irritable bowel syndrome be cured?
No. You can only treat the symptoms with a conscious lifestyle, home remedies and in severe cases with medication.
What do IBS patients need to be aware of?
As an established German clinic on Mallorca, we recommend the following after a diagnosis of IBS:
Watch your diet.
Avoid fermentable carbohydrates such as white flour.
Even flatulent vegetables such as cabbage and legumes are healthy, but should be replaced by other means.
When it comes to fruit, apples, pears, watermelon and overripe bananas in particular are drivers of flatulence and unpleasant pressure pain.
Carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol also contribute to discomfort and should be avoided.
Include wholemeal products, brown rice, vegetables that do not cause flatulence, low-fructose fruit (e.g. berries and apricots), still water and herbal teas in your diet.
Fibre-rich and swelling foods, such as psyllium and linseed, can naturally regulate bowel activity.
Get to know your bowel
With awareness of IBS, you will learn about your own limitations. Listen to your bowels. If it is rumbling, your stomach feels tight and an unpleasant feeling of fullness comes on, you have eaten something that is not good for your bowels. Go through your diet and cut down on such foods. Our Mediterranean cuisine offers many alternatives.
What helps if your tummy does get tight?
Then you should fall back on the good old home remedies: Put a hot water bottle on your stomach, add herbs (e.g. fennel) and spices (e.g. caraway) to your tea.
Do you suspect that you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome? Let us advise you and, above all, examine you. Once we have ruled out other intestinal disorders, we will work with you to find the way to a carefree life with IBS.
Allmedica is your German medical practice on Mallorca. In our clinic in Puerto de Andratx we treat residents and holidaymakers. From minor travel accidents to tropical medicine and orthopaedics. In our practice, experts are available to you in your language.