Effective Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, yet poorly understood condition that affects millions of sufferers in the UK. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, distention, and bowel habits (constipation to diarrhoea) can lead to impaired QoL for patients with IBS. More than just a matter of the body, sufferers feel anxiety, tiredness, and even anger because they never know what their symptoms will be minute by minute.

The good news? IBS is manageable. There is no one-amendment-fits-all treatment of IBS, but dietary and lifestyle alterations, medical therapies, and psychological support can mitigate symptoms in the majority of cases.

What is IBS?

IBS is known as a “disorder of gut-brain interaction” because the way the brain communicates with the gut is altered. This may trigger sensitivity in the gut, abnormal muscle contractions, and changes in bowel movements. Symptoms may come and go, with periods of increase where stress, diet, or hormonal changes stimulate an increase in the production of sebum.

Who is Affected?

A common gastrointestinal disorder is IBS, which is thought to affect about 10–20% of UK adults. It is more common in women and is often associated with anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, making the relationship between mental health and the gut very strong.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Identifying Trigger Foods

A food diary is always the first step in treating IBS. Common triggers include:

• Dairy (lactose intolerance)
• Gluten (particularly in the intolerant)
• Caffeine (which can cause bowel movements)
• Foods with preservatives and added fats

With the help of meal and symptom tracking, patients can identify problematic foods and manage their diet.

The Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP diet was discovered by scientists at King’s College in London, which eliminates certain types of fermentable carbs to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “These are short-chain carbohydrates that are fermented in the gut,” says Dr Doyle, “which can result in bloating and discomfort.”

The diet involves:

• Phase 3: Elimination – Restricting high-FODMAP foods (such as onions, garlic, and beans)
• Phase 4 – Transitional phase, where we start to reintroduce foods one at a time
• Customisation phase – Building a permanent, symptom-friendly diet

Important: This diet requires professional guidance, as too extreme elimination diet can keep you from getting all the nutrients you need.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Physical activity – Regular exercise can improve the functions of the digestive system and relieve stress
• Sleep – Inadequate sleep can exacerbate IBS symptoms; try to get 7–9 hours of sleep each night
• Stress management – Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help decrease gut-brain interactions

Medical vs. Alternative Options

Analgesics/Drugs for Symptomatic Relief

Doctors can prescribe: Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may suggest:

• Antispasmodics (such as Buscopan) – These can help reduce cramping
• Laxatives or antidiarrhoeals – Can help the bowels to be more on a regular schedule
• Low-dose antidepressants – Assist in the interpretation of pain- and mood-related symptoms

Probiotics and Gut Health

Probiotics (good bacteria) can help maintain balance in gut flora. Strains such as Bifidobacterium infantis have demonstrated some success in helping to minimise bloating and discomfort. Efficacy is varied, however, so getting advice from a professional is recommended.

Psychological Support

Because stress and IBS go together, treatments that address:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT re-educates the mind by turning negative thought processes into positive ones
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy – Evidenced in studies to decrease the severity of symptoms
• Counselling – Offers support to help people cope with long-term symptoms

Patient Education

Knowing about IBS gives you the power to take over. The identification of patterns (such as stressors and food intolerances) enables the patient to adopt a proactive approach.

Relationship between doctor and patient

Keep the lines of communication open between you and your healthcare provider so treatment options are still working for you.

Conclusion

Although IBS is difficult, the appropriate dietary, medical, and psychological measures can make an enormous difference to the symptoms. There isn’t one path for every patient, so individualised care is necessary.

Don’t suffer in silence if IBS is cramping your style. Book an appointment with the experts at Chase Lodge Hospital and start yourself on the path to better digestion.