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Relief from Irritable Bowel Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a medical condition causing abdominal pain. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), one in 10 people suffer from IBS. Symptoms include constipation or diarrhea. Men and women with IBS often suffer from bloated or swollen abdomens. Once a doctor diagnoses the condition, you may want to look at ways for relief from irritable bowel symptoms.

  1. Treatment

    • The type of food you eat can affect the severity of the symptoms you have, so changing your diet can help relieve your symptoms. Fried foods, dairy, caffeinated or carbonated beverages or alcohol can trigger abdominal pain and bloating. To determine which foods may be adding to your discomfort, consider keeping a food journal. When you have a negative reaction after you've eaten, make a note.

      Along with evaluating food to find the ones contributing to your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, you may want to look at online resources. Websites devoted to IBS offer recipes as well as information on an irritable bowel syndrome diet, which can help plan your meals.

      In addition to changing your diet, you may find it helpful to take fiber supplements. The fiber helps bind agents like bile and stool, allowing it pass more easily from your system. Some fiber supplements contain a gel that helps lubricate the stool.

      According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, antidepressants and medications designed to regulate serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptomine-3 (5-HT3) can help relieve IBS symptoms. Tricyclic antidepressants slow digestion, allowing relief from diarrhea.

      In some cases, you may need to take a prescription medication to help relieve your symptoms. Even if you don't suffer from depression, your doctor may recommend an antidepressant. Other medications include antispasmodics like Hyoscyamine, antidiarrheals like Loperamide, Chloride Channel activators like Lubiprostone, or 5-HT3 antagonists like Alogetron, among others.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people believe stress causes IBS similar to the way it can cause an ulcer. While stress contributes to the symptoms, studies have not confirmed the theory that stress causes the onset of IBS. Most doctors who treat patients for IBS recommend reducing stress through activities like meditation and yoga. Therapy may also help relieve symptoms that increase when stress increases.

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