Treatment Options for IBS

An occasional bout with abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation is an experience nearly everyone has in common. People may view these symptoms as normal, even when they frequently occur. However, chronic and recurring symptoms are not normal. They may signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – and are often treatable.

Mild symptoms affect about 70% of people with IBS. Symptoms occur infrequently, and occasionally interfere with normal daily functioning. A primary care provider, rather than a specialist, is generally consulted.

Moderate symptoms affect about 25% of people with IBS. Their symptoms occur more intensely and frequently, more often interfere with daily activities, and prompt awareness of what factors bring on symptoms.

Severe symptoms affect about 5% of people with IBS. Their symptoms are frequent, intense, and chronically interfere with daily functioning.

All treatment of IBS should begin with education about the nature of the disorder:

• It is a chronic condition with intermittent symptoms
• Symptoms are variable
• Symptoms themselves are not life threatening nor an indication of something more serious
• Symptoms can often be managed with changes to a healthier lifestyle, or dietary changes such as modifying consumption of foods that seem to influence symptoms

For moderate symptoms, in addition to the above, consider...

• Use of a diary, such as IFFGD’s Personal Daily Diary, to help identify factors that aggravate, bring on, or "trigger" symptoms
• Investigating and learning stress management, hypnosis, biofeedback,relaxation, or pain management techniques
• Consulting with your physician about the use of drug therapy, which will depend on your predominant symptom. Use of medications requires a careful evaluation of the nature and severity of symptoms, exclusion of other disorders, and a determination of which medication is best suited to you

If symptoms are severe, in addition to all of the above, consider...

• Investigating the use and benefits offered by cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Drug therapy, in consultation with your physician, for treatment of pain (e.g., low-dose antidepressants, which act as pain relievers.)
• Seeking referral to a pain treatment center

For individuals with IBS, effective diagnosis and treatment starts with the recognition of the validity of symptom complaints. Working in partnership with a physician or care-provider can help achieve the best possible results. Once a diagnosis is made it is helpful to develop a treatment plan and an outcome goal in an effort to control symptoms. Each individual's symptoms may vary and respond differently to treatment.