How Do You Effectively Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a collection of gastrointestinal symptoms that frequently take place together. Each individual experiences the symptoms to a different degree and for a different length of time. Keep reading to learn more about treating irritable bowel syndrome.

This ailment is distinct from inflammatory bowel disease and is unrelated to other bowel disorders. In some circumstances, IBS can cause intestinal damage. However, this is not typical. It does not increase the chance of gastrointestinal malignancies, but it can have a substantial impact on your life.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Typical IBS symptoms often include:

- Cramping
- Abdominal ache
- Flatulence and gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea

It is normal for individuals with IBS to experience both constipation and diarrhoea. Typically, symptoms such as bloating and gas disappear following a bowel movement.

IBS symptoms are not usually chronic. They might resolve, only to return. However, some individuals do experience persistent effects.

 

What are the main causes of IBS?

Although there are numerous treatments for IBS, its actual cause remains uncertain. Possible causes include a colon or immune system that is abnormally sensitive. Post-infectious IBS is caused by a previous gastrointestinal bacterial infection. The condition is generally tough to prevent for numerous probable reasons.

Likewise, the physical processes involved with IBS might vary but may include:

- Delayed colonic movements or spasms, resulting in severe cramping.
- Abnormal levels of serotonin in the colon, which influence motility and bowel movements.
- Mild coeliac disease which in turn causes intestinal damage and IBS symptoms.

What are the three types of IBS? (Treating irritable bowel syndrome)

People with IBS frequently experience normal and irregular bowel movements on different days. Your irregular bowel movements are an indication of the type of IBS you have:

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) - Most of your faeces are lumpy and solid.
- IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) - Most of your faeces are loose and liquid.
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) - You experience both firm and lumpy, loose and watery stool movements on the same day.

 

What’s the best way of treating irritable bowel syndrome?

There is no treatment for IBS. The goal of treatment is symptom alleviation. Your pharmacist or doctor may first recommend that you make certain lifestyle adjustments. Typically, it's advisable to follow these "home treatments" before starting on medications.

Home remedies for treating irritable bowel syndrome

You may be able to alleviate your IBS symptoms with certain home remedies or lifestyle modifications without the use of medicines. Examples of such lifestyle modifications include:

- Regularly engaging in physical activity
- Reducing the use of caffeinated drinks that stimulate the intestines
- Eating fewer portions
- Reducing stress (talk therapy may help)
- Using probiotics ("good" bacteria that are naturally found in the intestines) to alleviate gas and bloating
- Minimising eating fried or spicy meals

 

What is the drug of choice for treating irritable bowel syndrome?

Some medications are used to treat all IBS symptoms, while others target specific symptoms. Antibiotics, as well as medications to regulate muscle spasms, anti-constipation treatments, tricyclic antidepressants to alleviate discomfort, and other medications, are usually used. If constipation is your primary IBS symptom, Linaclotide and Lubiprostone are two recommendable medications.

How long does it take for irritable bowel syndrome to heal?

One year following diagnosis, over 30% of patients experience long symptom-free intervals; after 10 years, over 50% of patients have chronic symptoms.

However, there is no definitive explanation. Symptoms of IBS typically fluctuate over time; you may go for a long time without symptoms, but they frequently return.

Shop online today at Chemist.net for the best medication for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Shop Now

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.