Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel habit. Sensations of discomfort (bloating), distension, and disordered defecation are commonly associated features. Its difficult to diagnose and manage. It affects about 10-12% of the population globally.
It is not always clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms, so that you can live as normally as possible.
In some cases, medication along with psychological treatments may also be helpful.
Some suggestions:
- Know your triggers:
It is helpful to keep a food diary and record foods that make your symptoms better or worse. It is simply a matter of substitution, of replacing trigger foods with safe choices.
- Change your habits:
- Avoid caffeine in all forms including teas, coffees, colas and chocolate.
- Quit smoking and use of tobacco.
- Drink at least 4-5 tall glasses of water a day.
- Eat smaller meals every 3 hours. Avoid binging.
- Eat yogurt to increase the good bacteria in the gut.
- Modify the amount of fiber in the diet. There are 2 main types of fiber:
- Soluble fiber – oats, barley, fruit (such as bananas, apples), vegetables (such as carrots and potatoes), golden linseeds
- Insoluble fiber - Wholegrain bread, bran, cereals, nuts and seeds (except golden linseeds)
If you have diarrhoea, it helps to cut down on the insoluble fiber.
- Reducing stress levels may also reduce the frequency and severity of IBS symptoms. Some ways to help relieve stress are relaxation techniques – such as meditation, breathing exercises; physical activities – such as yoga, pilates, tai chi, walking, running, swimming etc.
- A number of different medications can be used to help treat IBS, including:
- Antispasmodics: these help reduce abdominal pain and cramping.
- Laxatives – these can help relieve constipation and straining
- Antimotility medicines – these can help relieve diarrhoea.
- Low-dose antidepressants – these can also help reduce stomach pain and cramping independent of any antidepressant effect
- Bulking agents eg. Pysllium which can slow down the processing of the food.
- Lubiprostone (prostaglandin E1 analogue) is used especially in women to produce softer stools and increase bowel movements.
- Linaclotide is a peptide agonist that is used to treat constipation.
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