info@burtsrx.com
10-15% of the adult population in the United States suffers from IBS, but is there treatment for irritable bowel syndrome? What are your options?
There’s nothing enjoyable about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Sufferers struggle with a myriad of gastrointestinal symptoms that leave them feeling uncomfortable and, in some cases, afraid to leave their homes.
The good news is there are treatments available to help those with IBS lead functional lives.
From medications to learning about disease triggers, we’ll talk about treatment for irritable bowel syndrome today.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
It is important to first differentiate between irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel disease (IBD).
– IBD
IBD is the blanket term for a series of bowel disorders, including:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
These disorders create inflammation and ultimately damage the intestines, leading to very serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
– IBS
IBS, on the other hand, is considered far less serious in nature.
Patients with this particular syndrome often complain of:
- Pain
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
They’re often related to spasms in the large intestine. All of the symptoms are uncomfortable, and often inconvenient, but they are not life-threatening.
While researchers have identified some common risk factors, no one really knows what causes IBS.
What Causes IBS?
Some of the most seen causes include changes to:
- Intestinal muscle contractions
- Disruptions in nervous system communications
- Mild inflammation
- Infections
- Even imbalances in the amount of good bacteria in the gut
IBS is more common among females than males and is more common in people under 50 years of age. Mental health problems, like anxiety, may also play a role.
Scientists believe there may also be a genetic element; you’re more likely to experience IBS if a parent or sibling has it.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
All of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome involve the gastrointestinal system (all the way from the mouth to the anus).
The severity of the symptoms depends on the individual and can vary from attack to attack.
Most people will experience:
- Diarrhea, if the intestines are contracting too fast
- Constipation, if the intestines are contracting too slow
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Frequent and excessive gas
- Stool with mucus
In most cases, symptoms like pain and cramping are relieved after passing a bowel movement. However, some patients do present with symptoms all of the time.
Most people do not have IBS symptoms 24/7. They come and go, varying in intensity.
In some cases, they may go away and never come back.
There are no tests that can specifically diagnose irritable bowel syndrome.
Diagnosis of IBS
Your doctor will start by ruling out other disorders before using either the Rome or Manning criteria sets to diagnose you.
The criteria focus on the length of time you’ve had issues, how often your bowel habits change, the type of pain you have and more.
The vast majority of patients are diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant IBS. Some may receive a mixed diagnosis.
What Triggers an Attack?
While we don’t know much about the actual causes of IBS, there are some common factors that may trigger those with a history to have an attack.
The triggers could result in either the aforementioned constipation or diarrhea.
The most common triggers for IBS-related constipation include:
- Processed foods, especially junk foods
- Diets that are too high in protein
- Excess dairy consumption
- Foods with refined grains, as opposed to whole
Some of the triggers for IBS-related diarrhea include:
- Dairy, in people with lactose intolerance
- Wheat, in people who already have gluten sensitivities
- Fried foods
- Fatty foods
- Meals that are too large
- Excess insoluble fiber
Caffeine and alcohol can act as a trigger for both types for IBS.
The excess consumption of carbonated beverages can also trigger IBS in some patients.
Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Patients who are diagnosed with IBS are often told to make changes to their diet and lifestyle before anything else is attempted in the way of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
If you are diagnosed with it, your doctor will most likely tell you to moderate your fiber intake based on whether or not you have constipation or diarrhea.
You should also:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat smaller food portions
- Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as broccoli or cabbage
Lifestyle changes aren’t necessarily a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, but they can help you to control your symptoms.
It’s helpful to get a moderate amount of exercise, do your best to manage your stress, and get plenty of regular sleep.
Managing your stress levels is especially important, as anxiety and depression are both extremely common triggers for IBS.
Some patients may benefit from
- Counseling or therapy
- Meditation
- Other relaxation exercises
Medications for IBS
If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough, medication can also be considered as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
- Antispasmodic drugs eliminate the abdominal pain associated with intestinal spasms.
- Antidepressants from the SSRI category may reduce your physical symptoms, especially if accompanied by anxiety that seems connected to episodes.
- Over-the-counter fiber supplements, probiotics, anti-diarrhea medications, and laxatives are also helpful.
Other Medication Options
Stronger options are available for patients with severe pain or uncontrollable symptoms, but all of the IBS-specific drugs come with considerable side effects.
- Alosetron, is only prescribed for women who do not respond to other less impactful medications. Only doctors from a specific program can prescribe it because it comes with serious side effects, making it a last-resort.
- Eluxadoline can help to create fluids in the intestines and may help reduce muscle spasms, but it has also been linked to pancreatitis.
How Compounded Medication Can Help
Many patients have found successful options by working with a combinatory care team of doctors and compounding pharmacists.
Together, these professionals can help you work to find the right combination of medications and the appropriate dose.
An antidepressant, for example, may be prescribed at a lower dose to manage IBS symptoms than it might be to manage a mental health disorder.
More importantly, compounded medications can be personally created at any dose deemed necessary and in virtually any compatible combination.
This results in a 100-percent custom solution that addresses your needs, rather than forcing you to “fit the mold” of what’s available on the commercial market.
Don’t Ignore These Changes
No matter what treatment for irritable bowel syndrome you choose, it’s important to monitor your symptoms.
Not all gastrointestinal issues are related to IBS; some may be a sign of a more serious disorder (including IBD).
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Vomiting, with no identifiable reason
- Pain that does not go away with bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss (especially if rapid)
- Waking up from sleep with diarrhea
- Any sort of rectal bleeding
These symptoms are considered urgent and you should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Sudden changes in symptoms are also a cause for concern, as they may indicate a change in your disease; call your doctor right away.
Conclusion
IBS is a difficult condition to live with, but lifestyle and diet changes can really help you get your life back on track.
You can control remaining symptoms with a combination of OTC and prescription medications.
However, because IBS can change how you digest and uptake medications, you should never start a new treatment for irritable bowel syndrome without guidance from your pharmacist and physician.
Talk to them often whenever you have questions or want to introduce a new treatment option.