Читать книгу The Good Gut Guide: Help for IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis, Food Allergies and Other Gut Problems - Stephanie Zinser - Страница 36

Identify the type of pain: Some pains are crampy, others a dull ache. Some are constant, others intermittent. The more accurately you can describe the type and location of your pain, the easier it may be for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.

Women: Make a note of where you are in your menstrual cycle – many abdominal pains are related to the reproductive organs rather than the digestive organs. Menstrual pain can be helped by holding a warm hot-water bottle on the abdomen, and by taking painkillers specifically designed to relieve menstrual cramps (for example, Feminax).

Diet: If you have severe abdominal pain, do not eat anything, especially if you are vomiting. If your pains are crampy and intermittent, keep your diet very light and eat small snacks regularly, rather than one or two large meals through the day.

Relaxation techniques: Scientific studies indicate that stress management techniques and relaxation skills (like hypnosis, repeating relaxing ‘mantras’, imagery to visualize pain relief, meditation and yoga) may all help reduce the perception of pain, particularly in chronic disorders like ulcerative colitis.

Herbal help: Several herbs are stated to possess antispasmodic properties, which makes them useful if you suffer from colicky-type pain. They include asafoetida, cinnamon, ginger, lemon verbena, parsley, pennyroyal and valerian. Other herbs may help: calamus for intestinal colic and chaparral for bowel cramps.

Aromatherapy massage: Chamomile and geranium essential oils, massaged into the abdomen, may help bring temporary relief.