Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a medical condition affecting the large intestine in which a person suffers from symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Since the exact cause of the condition is unknown, IBS remedies aim to deal with triggers that cause the symptoms, therefore relieving the affected person of associated discomfort or pain. Triggers vary from person to person, but in general, they include food, medical conditions and stress. IBS remedies, then, involve dietary changes, medications and lifestyle changes.
Since different foods can cause IBS in different people, a person with the condition should keep track of which foods seem to trigger his own symptoms. Then he should work with his doctor or dietician to come up with the necessary dietary changes. Other dietary changes include avoiding large meals and increasing dietary fiber intake. Large meals can contribute to symptoms such as diarrhea, while eating more fiber can help relieve constipation.
Medications can also help with IBS, though a person should take them with care and follow directions given by a doctor. This is because certain medications can worsen symptoms. Anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic medications and antidepressant medications are examples of drugs a person can take to reduce IBS symptoms. In some cases, IBS develops after an intestinal infection; though it is still unclear what antibiotics do in IBS treatment, if an infection exists, these medications might help. There are also specific medications available for IBS which a person usually receives if he has a specific set of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can play a role in managing IBS. A person who experiences anxiety or depression can often contribute to his own condition when he is stressed. This is because stress stimulates spasms in the colon, caused by the connection the nerves in the colon have to the brain. When a person with IBS is stressed, then, it might trigger the system to cause abdominal discomfort. To deal with stress, a person might have to make lifestyle changes such as avoiding stressful situations, getting regular exercise and receiving counseling.
Though IBS is a lifelong condition and can be severe enough to disable a person from living a normal life, it does not cause any permanent damage to the intestine, nor does it lead to any serious illnesses. To get the best treatment, a person might try different combinations of IBS remedies. Despite there being no cure for the condition, these IBS remedies can often, though not always, improve an affected person’s symptoms and, therefore, improve his quality of life.
