Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

There is no cure for IBS. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms.

Diet

The following changes to your diet may help control symptoms:

• Keep a food diary of what you eat and how your body responds. Share this with your doctor. You may have a food allergy.
• Make gradual changes to your diet. Record the results.
• Avoid foods that have caused problems in the past. A dietitian can help you substitute foods.
• Avoid foods and drinks that may cause symptoms:
  • High fat foods, spicy foods
  • Dairy products
  • Onions, cabbage, and other gas-producing food
  • Large amounts of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or caffeine
• Eat foods that may reduce the chance of spasm, such as:
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains and other high-fiber foods (More fiber may increase gas and bloating until your body adjusts.)
• Eat smaller meals more often or smaller portions.
• Eat slowly and try not to swallow air.
• Drink plenty of water. This will help to reduce constipation.

Stress Management

Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce stress , such as:

• Relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Counseling
• Exercise (This also improves bowel function.)

Medication

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:

• Antispasmodic agent (eg, dicyclomine, alverine citrate)
• High-fiber bulking agent (eg, psyllium )
• Antiflatulant (eg, simethicone)
• Antidiarrheal agent (eg, loperamide )
• Low-dose antidepressant
• Pain reliever (eg, acetaminophen )-may help with crampy abdominal pain
• Serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists (also called 5-HT3 antagonists)-may be helpful for treating diarrhea, as well as treating other IBS symptoms, like abdominal pain in women (eg, alosetron )
  • Note: Tegaserod, a medicine used for constipation, was withdrawn from the market in March 2007. This was due to a slightly increased risk of Heart Attack , Angina , and Stroke.
• Probiotics ("friendly" bacteria)-may be helpful, but talk to your doctor before taking
• Peppermint oil

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take a combination of medicines.