Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments

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 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 prescribe:

Antibiotic ( Rifaximin may help symptoms for several months.)
Antispasmodic agent (eg, dicyclomine )
High-fiber bulking agent (eg, psyllium )
Antidiarrheal agent (eg, loperamide )
Low-dose antidepressant
Peppermint oil
Pain reliever (eg, acetaminophen )—A study showed modest benefit of acetaminophen for treatment of crampy abdominal pain in patients with IBS. *¹
Serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists—may be helpful for women (eg, alosetron for diarrhea)
- Note: Tegaserod, a medicine used for constipation, was withdrawn from the market in March 2007.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 . *²
Probiotics ("friendly" bacteria)—may be helpful, but talk to your doctor before taking
Peppermint oil * ³

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.