How To Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Treatment Methods Explored!

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Irritable bowel syndrome is a common chronic disease that disrupts the digestive tract and digestive system. Its common symptoms are stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc. There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome, which are seen in most people: constipation predominate (IBS), Diarrhea predominate (IBS), and pain-predominate (IBS). 

Up to 10% of the population is affected by this medical condition; it generally begins in young adults and is more common in women than in men. While the exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still unknown, it can depend on a number of things, such as:

  • Abnormal Intestinal Muscular cramps– Due to these contractions, the gut may pass food too rapidly or too slowly, resulting in symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, etc.
  • Increased abdominal pain sensitivity– Regular intestine contractions may increase abdominal pain sensitivity.
  • Alteration in the gut microbiome– The millions of bacteria that live in the intestine form the gut microbiome, but it is unclear whether these changes are a disorder’s cause or effects. 

There are no specific treatments available for treating irritable bowel syndrome, but doctors will choose a certain treatment plan according to a person’s conditions, body structure, family history, and medical conditions. 

In this article, you will see the four different types of treatment plans that can be used to manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  

Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a common disorder, and ideally, there is no complete treatment available for this, but there are a number of ways that can be used to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. 

Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

1] Diet Changes

Dietary changes are one of the most important things to do to live a healthy life and to improve the quality of life. 

The first important changes we can include in our diet are:

  • Eat regular meals, which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 2 snacks.
  • Don’t eat anything at midnight.
  • Chew your food thoroughly and take every meal mindfully.

Fibre is one of the most important components of our food, but people with irritable bowel syndrome are advised to change their fibre intake; if someone is suffering from diarrhoea, then they should take a low-fibre diet, but if someone is suffering from constipation, then they should take high-fibre diet. 

Increase the fluid intake in your diet, drink a lot of water and consume foods which have high-quality water. Try to decrease the amount of caffeine or alcohol in your diet because these things can increase your IBS symptoms and can make the conditions worse. 

Decrease the amount of fatty and processed food in your diet because fatty food and processed food can increase its symptoms, especially diarrhoea. 

2] Medication

Several drugs are available that can be useful for managing IBS:

  • Antispasmodics-  It helps in relaxing the digestive tract’s muscles. This may reduce cramping and gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Laxatives- This can help in constipation relief.
  • Antidiarrheals- This medicine can relieve diarrhoea.
  • Antidepressant- This medicine helps in reducing stress and anxiety, which can increase the symptoms of IBS

3] Lifestyle Changes

There are some lifestyle changes that you can make to manage IBS symptoms:

  • Get enough sleep because it might improve digestion and lower stress.
  • Alcohol and smoking can irritate the digestive tract and can make the situation worse.
  • Doing regular exercise can increase the metabolism and help in the smooth digestion of food. 
  • Obesity management can help to enhance digestive health and lessen IBS symptoms. 

4] Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy may be able to help some people with IBS better manage the stress and anxiety associated with IBS conditions. Psychotherapy can assist those who have IBS to develop coping methods to manage their symptoms. 

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Conclusion

Irritable bowel syndrome is a general chronic condition that can lead to various types of digestive problems. IBS cannot be cured, but we can manage this and can increase the quality of life. Probiotics, medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes are the available forms of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. 

IBS symptoms can also be controlled by making adjustments to one’s lifestyle, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and controlling stress is important.   

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Dr. David G Kiely is a distinguished Medical Reviewer and former General Medicine Consultant with a wealth of experience in the field. Dr. Kiely's notable career as a General Medicine Consultant highlights his significant contributions to the medical field.

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