Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common disorder seen by doctors yet it is the least talked about. It is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, mucus in the stool, and constipation. Often diarrhea and constipation alternate. 1 in 5 American adults suffer from IBS and 1 out of every 10 visits to the doctor is for IBS. There are several irritable bowel syndrome solutions that are worth trying.
Treating IBS is difficult because the cause is not clearly understood. But there are some treatments that have proven helpful. IBS treatments are very individual so much is dependant on trial and error. A combination of medication and lifestyle changes can be effective.
Anticholinergic medications affect the nervous system and thus relieve the pain of a spastic bowel. Antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline or Imipramine which help reduce pain by inhibiting the activity of the pain neurons.
There are two newer drugs on the market that are specifically designed to treat IBS. Alosetron or Lotronex is a nerve receptor antagonist that relaxes the colon and slows down the speed that the waste travels through the lower bowel. This drug does have some heavy side effects so it can only be prescribed for serious cases under a physicians care.
The second drug is Tegaserod or Zelnorm which has FDA approval in women. It was not found effective in men. It is meant for short term use and acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin coordinating muscles and nerves in the intestine. It does have some side effects that you should discuss with your doctor.
Medications are generally a mix of laxatives and stool softeners as well as anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium with the active ingredient loperamide or Lomotil with the active ingredient diphenoxylate. Codeine may be used in IBS where diarrhea is prominent.
Antispasmodics can be used when cramps or diarrhea are prominent. Antispasmodics can be combined with barbiturates and tranquilizers such as Librax or Donnatal.
Studies have shown that rifaximin a non absorbable antibiotic is effective in treating flatulence and abdominal bloating which lead back to the question whether Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a result of a bacterial overgrowth.
Even cannabis has been used to treat IBS. Although completely illegal in the USA medicinal cannabis is legal in Canada and as such prescribed by some doctors to their patients. It reduces pain and nausea, slows the bowels spasms, and aids in sleep.
Alternative treatments include the use of probiotics which is beneficial live bacteria that is often missing from the human stomach or is diminished due to the use of antibiotics. Studies have shown a definite link between taking lactobacillus plantarum and the reduction of IBS abdominal pain. Use in conjunction with an anti-parasitic like garlic, cloves, ginger, or grapefruit seed extract shows very good results because the bad bacteria is killed off and the good bacteria replaced.
Fiber supplements such as Metamucil or psyllium husks taken with lots of water help to relieve constipation. Diarrhea medications like Imodium should be kept on hand to help control diarrhea and spasmodic pain in the bowel. The elimination of gassy foods such as soda pop, beans, broccoli and cabbage may also prove helpful.
Acupuncture has also shown some good results in some IBS patients. Traditional Chinese acupuncture shows better results than its Western counterpart.
There are many irritable bowel syndrome solutions. Finding the right one is often a matter of trial and error but there is hope so a patient should not give up.
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