Relief for IBS Pain

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder, not a disease, that affects individuals by causing abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel movements. IBS pain can be relieved or at least improved by a variety of treatment options, which may be specific to the individual and their pain symptoms. These aids include diet alterations, antispasmodics (such as peppermint), fiber and laxatives, anti-diarrheals (if the patient suffers from diarrhea-predominant IBS) and probiotics. IBS is strongly influenced by stress, so some patients are prescribed antidepressants and stress therapy as a form of pain relief.

Dietary Changes

• According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 60 percent of patients report to have IBS that can be improved or triggered by food. Food allergies and intolerances can trigger symptomatic responses. In result, logging a comprehensive journal of foods consumed and the symptoms that follow may help patients identify food trouble zones.

Dietary Fiber and Laxatives

• Fiber and laxatives are mostly recommended for IBS-constipation predominant patients. Fiber tends to bulk up stool making, it easier to pass. Polyethylene glycol has been shown in clinical studies to help pass stools more frequently but does not decrease pain. But IBS-C patients may find that bloating and any associated pain can be relieved by easier stool passage.

Antispasmodics

• Peppermint oil, hyoscine and chamomile ease pain for some IBS sufferers. Antispasmodics decrease the activity of spastic colons, a primary cause of IBS. From the results of the clinical studies that have been performed, antispasmodics offer only temporary pain relief. The necessary dosage and frequency of consumption widely vary by individual and have not been studied in detail.

Probiotic and Antibiotics

• The nonabsorbable antibiotic Rifaximin demonstrated relief in bloating for IBS patients who participated in a clinical trial. The safety of long-term use of Rifaximin has yet to be determined.

  Probiotics, specifically Bifidobacteria, show improvements in relief of IBS symptoms and associated pain. These supplements come in many forms and various strains. Clinical studies show that probiotics are safe and do not have serious side effects.

Psychotherapy

• One of the key causes to a spastic colon is stress. Psychotherapy and anti-depressants are often used for IBS pain relief. As with all other treatments, cognitive therapy may be the right key to relief for a percentage of IBS patients, but not all.