
	IBS Info
	Information on IBS
	IBS cause
	Clinical Trial 1
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	Symptoms
	IBS syndrome
	IBS Diet
	What Is IBS
	Stress
	Medication
	Treatment
	Symptoms
	Foods that trigger
	Cure
	Diarrhoea Predominant IBS
	Causes
	Constipation
	Diverticulosis
	Do I have IBS?
	How long does it last?
	Hydrocodone
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IBS Treatment

Any treatment plan for IBS involves managing the symptoms more than anything else. No one completely understands IBS, why it affects some people and not others, or even what causes it. What is known is that certain factors appear to trigger IBS or make the symptoms worse.

In order to tackle the symptoms of IBS effectively, it is essential that the particular pattern or set of symptoms or triggers affecting the individual is fully understood. An excellent way of gaining an overall view is to keep a diary for a couple of weeks which lists everything that is consumed and a note made of any effect on bowel movements. It is also worth noting any other stress factors that arise during thistime and any effect that they have on IBS symptoms.

Deal with the most troublesome symptom first

In the first instance, deal with symptom that is causing the most distress. So for example, if diarrhoea is the predominant symptom, tackle the diarrhoea; similarly if it is constipation, abdominal cramps or pain, deal with them first. Dietary changes will almost certainly be necessary in order to reduce or eliminate any foods or drinks that are exacerbating the symptoms.

If constipation is a problem try increasing the amount of fibre in the diet, although avoid unprocessed bran, which in the past has been recommended as helpful for IBS but recent research has also shown it can make the symptoms of IBS worse. Soluble fibre in the form of Ispaghula husk has proven to be effective. Laxatives can be used in particularly severe cases of constipation, however, it is wise to avoid stimulant laxatives which can increase pain and cramps and stick to an osmotic laxative like Lactulose.

If diarrhoea is the most troublesome aspect of your IBS, try reducing caffeine and stopping or cutting down on smoking. It may also be worth reducing the amount of fat in your diet. Imodium can be useful for reducing the frequency of bowel movements and can improve stool consistency. Some anti-depressants have proven effective in IBS patients as they can help ease pain and have a positive effect on diarrhoea

If spasms or muscle cramps are bothersome, your doctor may prescribe some anti-spasmodic medicine which works by relaxing the wall of the stomach. Peppermint oil has proved effective in some cases as a muscle relaxant and to ease abdominal discomfort but check with your doctor first as peppermint oil can cause an allergic reaction in some people and has other contraindications too.

Other treatment options

Stress is a known trigger of IBS although it doesn’t actually cause it. If there is a lot of stress in your life due to other underlying problems, it may be worth considering some form of therapy or counselling. Some people may respond to “talking treatments”, particularly when there are family or relationship problems, financial worries, or when an individual is suffering from anxiety. Learn relaxation techniques and how to manage stress and the symptoms of IBS may subside. Chinese Herbal Medicines have proved effective in some trials as have probiotics. In all cases, drink plenty of fluids, avoid stressful situations as much as possible and indulge in regular exercise.

Conclusion

IBS is non life threatening, it does not lead to more serious illnesses and diseases and with careful management of the symptoms it is possible to regain control over your life.