There are many treatment options for IBS, and a doctor who specializes in treating IBS, such as a gastroenterologist or primary care provider, can recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Treatment options may include medications, dietary changes, treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety, and other lifestyle changes. Most people’s symptoms improve with treatment.
medicine
Several drugs are used to treat IBS. Depending on a person’s symptoms, a health care provider may suggest one of the following:
- Antibiotics Used to modify intestinal function and improve IBS symptoms.
- laxative Products such as Miralax and Phillips Milk of Magnesia are available over the counter and can help relieve constipation.
- holder It is used to relieve constipation by blocking the absorption of sodium from food or drinks in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing the intestines to absorb more water and produce soft stools.
- antidiarrheal medicine It helps treat people suffering from diarrhea by reducing loose stool movement and improving stool consistency.
- antispasmodicContains anticholinergic drugs like Ventil, which can help minimize uncomfortable bowel spasms and contractions. Although these drugs are relatively safe, side effects such as headaches and dry mouth can occur.
- painkillers Something like Lyrica can help relieve the pain, diarrhea, and bloating caused by IBS.
- low dose antidepressants It can help fight depression and emotional stress when dealing with IBS symptoms, and manage flare-ups caused by mental health conditions.
dietary changes
Dietary modifications may be necessary to reduce IBS symptoms. For example, fatty or caffeinated foods can cause colon contractions, and people with IBS find their symptoms improve when they limit their intake of coffee, caffeinated tea, or fatty foods. Research shows that it is possible.
People with abdominal discomfort or bloating should reduce their intake of high-carbohydrate foods, as research suggests that high-carbohydrate foods tend to cause digestive discomfort after reaching the digestive tract. It may also be effective. IBS patients who consume a balanced diet should be wary of fruits, vegetables, and fiber that contain fermentable carbohydrates, which are sugars that are difficult to digest and can worsen IBS symptoms.
Research suggests that a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) can help minimize abdominal pain, excess gas, and bloating in IBS patients.
“The low FODMAP diet is a validated, evidence-based lifestyle modification that has been shown to improve IBS symptoms,” says Dr. McCutchen. A nutritionist can help determine your individual dietary needs and adjust your meal plan to minimize IBS flare-ups.
mental health therapy
If medical treatments are not effective in treating IBS symptoms, some doctors may suggest a referral to a licensed mental health professional for cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, or biofeedback. there is.
“Mental health plays a huge role in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome,” says Dr. McCutchen. “Research shows that improving psychological health can lead to improved gut health.”
Alternative method
Alternative treatments for IBS include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and supplements such as probiotics and peppermint oil to improve gut health. “One of the potential causes of irritable bowel syndrome is [that] The gut microbiome is out of balance,” says Dr. Chhabra. “Achieving the desired balance through probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (feeding good bacteria) may reduce some symptoms.” [of IBS]” she added.