Treatments and Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Contrary to what some people believe, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition, which affects millions of people around the world. However, even though there is no known cure, the condition is often controlled with the use of different drugs, therapies, and natural remedies, in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms. In fact, two drugs in particular have recently been designed specifically for treating IBS, both of which are now available to those suffering from this debilitating condition. There are also other natural approaches one can take in order to manage the condition, which I would recommend, such as what IBS Eliminated dicusses.

IBS Specific Drugs

Those who are diagnosed to be suffering from severe diarrheic IBS are often prescribed Alosetron (Lotronex) by their doctors, providing their doctor has enrolled in a special program, which follows strict protocols. This drug works by blocking certain nerve impulses, which in turn are responsible for spasms and diarrhea.

Those patients who suffer predominantly from constipation will be prescribed Lubiprostone (Amitiza), a drug that increases the amount of fluids in the small intestine in order to encourage bowel movement. However, many patients on this drug complain about side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

If you are taking either of these, I highly recommend following the IBS Eliminated system to see if you can get off these drugs.

Other IBS Medications

Interestingly enough, they are several drugs on the market nowadays which are able to offer sufferers a certain amount of relief, even though they were not originally designed for treating IBS, such as:

Anticholinergics – relaxes the bowel and prevents spasms
Antidepressants – reduces pain and improves mood
Anti-diarrheals – used for treating diarrhea
Laxatives – uses for treating constipation

Of course, if your condition is being made worse due to an infection, then it’s very likely that your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In this case, it is crucial that you do not stop taking your medication unless advised to do so by your doctor. Furthermore, before you decide to take any over-the-counter medications, you should always discuss it with your doctor first, particularly if you’re already taking description drugs.

Natural Remedies and Treatments

As many people can attest to, there are several natural approaches for treating IBS, and which are known to be moderately successful. In fact, many people have found at least some relief simply by eliminating certain foods from their diet. As such, it is always advisable for IBS sufferers to keep a food journal in order to determine which foods tend to irritate the condition, causing the symptoms to be more severe. Sufferers should pay particular attention to spicy foods, greasy foods, caffeine, and also dairy products, as these are all known to trigger the condition. Artificial sweeteners are another culprit although many people tend to overlook them completely, believing that something so insignificant could surely not trigger the condition.

In addition, sufferers should make a point of drinking at least 64oz. of water each day. If you suffer frequent diarrhea, drinking water will help to ensure you don’t become dehydrated. On the other hand, if you suffer from frequent constipation, drinking plenty of water will help to soften stools.

Over and above making changes to your diet, it’s crucial that you get enough regular physical exercise as this helps to promote the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are essentially a chemical in the brain that helps to regulate moods and this of course is beneficial in terms of reducing stress levels.

Lastly but not least, depending on the severity of your condition, you may want to consider counseling in order to help you bring your stress levels under control. While stress in itself does not cause IBS, high stress levels certainly do make the condition worse.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Alternative Remedies

Contrary to what many people believe, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered to be a chronic condition, although that’s not to say sufferers can’t find relief. In fact, millions of people who suffer have managed to bring the symptoms under control simply by making certain lifestyle changes, which I believe to be the best solution.  Additionally, others have found some of relief through alternative remedies such as the following:

Acupuncture

The Chinese have been using acupuncture for thousands and thousands of years already, but it is only recently that people in the west have discovered that it can be beneficial for those suffering from IBS. Patients who have chosen to receive this form of treatment have found that the procedure leaves them feeling extremely relaxed and this of course helps to reduce stress levels, bearing in mind that stress is known to trigger IBS symptoms. Essentially, it is believed that when one stimulates certain points in the body by means of acupuncture, the severity of the symptoms can be reduced.

Herbal therapy

The use of herbs for the treatment of this condition hardly comes as a surprise considering that herbs have been used to treat upset stomachs for hundreds of years. Such remedies can either be taken in the form of a tea, in the form of supplements, or even in the form of candy. Peppermint is particularly common for treating this condition although a certain amount of caution should be practiced due to the fact that peppermint is noticeably potent, and that it has the potential for causing acid reflux. You should also bear in mind that even though herbs are natural, many of them are also extremely potent, and as such, you should consult with a doctor before taking them.

L. Acidophilus

In order for the intestines to work properly, beneficial bacteria must be present so that food which is eaten can be broken down sufficiently. Unfortunately, there are not always sufficient beneficial bacteria present, and this is why some sufferers choose to take Lactobacillus Acidophilus, a form of beneficial bacteria. Interestingly enough, these bacteria are also present in fresh yogurts which contain active cultures. If however you would rather not eat yogurt, you can also finds this bacteria in the form of capsules. Once again, you should consult with a nutritionist of other qualified professional in order to determine whether or not it’s advisable for you to make use of probiotics.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Common Treatments

Let’s face it – when we find ourselves having to run to the toilet more often than what we would like, we usually attribute it to something we’ve eaten, whether it be spicy food, or even a high fat diet. Even though these can cause an upset stomach from time to time, they wouldn’t result in you experiencing such symptoms regularly. In fact, if you frequently suffer from a sore stomach, constipation, or diarrhea, then there is a possibility that you may be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which of course is certainly more serious.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS as it’s commonly known, is by all accounts a chronic condition resulting in symptoms which can vary from mild to severe. While some people experience diarrhea, others are forced to endure painful constipation. Furthermore, the frequency at which these symptoms are experienced can also differ from one person to the next.

Fortunately however, IBS can be controlled to a certain extent by means of stress management and a change of diet. Even though there is currently no known cure, those who suffer from the condition can certainly find relief providing they’re willing to make some changes. It’s been determined that there are as many as 50 million people in America suffering from this condition, with 70% only experiencing mild symptoms, 25% experiencing moderate symptoms, and 5% experiencing severe symptoms. The symptoms which affect those in the 5% group are usually so severe, that specialist help might be required.

On the other hand, those who experience mild symptoms can usually find relief simply by altering their diets and by reducing stress levels. Those people who are in the 25% group, that experience moderate symptoms, will of course stand to benefit by reducing stress and altering their diet, but they may need to put in a little more effort. It is also advisable for them to keep track of which foods tend to irritate their condition. In the most severe cases, patients may be required to take prescription drugs in order to control pain at first, just as they may be required to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy.

One should also bear in mind that IBS affects different people differently, which means that treatments which work for one may not work for another. As such, if you are currently taking medication for the condition and you feel that it’s not working then you should of course discuss it with your doctor. Whatever you do; never be tempted to make adjustments to the types of medication you’re taking or to your diet without consulting a doctor first.

Above all, you need to realize that while IBS is by no means pleasant, it’s also not life threatening. If you currently experience the symptoms of this condition, you should however consult with a doctor so that you can be checked for more serious conditions that have similar symptoms to IBS, like colon cancer.  Better safe than sorry!

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is such a nebulous condition it can be difficult to identify as a distinct illness at all. The most common symptoms are abdominal cramping, bloating and gas, and diarrhea or constipation. With such normal signs as that – which can occur with dozens of other, more serious conditions – it can be hard to diagnose IBS.

Yet, physicians and researchers regard this syndrome as among the most common disorders and often distinguish it as much by what it is not, or by the absence of signs of other diseases. Unlike more serious ailments, like Crohn’s or colitis for example, IBS does not produce inflammation of the colon. Neither does it increase the odds of colorectal cancer, as those diseases can.

Because the symptoms themselves are so varied – indeed sometimes contradictory, such as alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea – it is difficult to narrow down the presence of IBS. However, it is a chronic condition – occasional cramping or gas is completely normal and doesn’t merit a special name – and so it receives a specific tag.

As semi-digested food (called “chyme”) moves into the colon, where water is extracted and helpful bacteria create vitamins B and K, the intestinal muscles contract to keep it going. We’re normally not aware of that contraction, called peristalsis. In IBS, those contractions can be spasmodic and stronger than normal, causing food to move too quickly or too slowly. The first often leads to diarrhea, the second to constipation.

There is research to suggest that some individuals are hypersensitive to that movement. They sense more clearly the stretching of the bowel produced by gas or bloating. That can lead to stress that tends to amplify the ill effects. Since women are more prone to IBS, some studies believe that hormones play a role, as well, particularly since symptoms often worsen during the menstrual period.

Since diet plays a role – some experience IBS after consuming chocolate, milk, or alcohol – it is possible to modify the symptoms in some cases. Reducing intake is an obvious method, but diet alterations help, too. Eating yogurt, for example, which contains organisms that break down lactose sugars, can help counter the effects of drinking milk for those who are lactose intolerant.

Controlling stress is often more difficult than simply an act of will. Education and counseling can provide techniques to reduce the anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed that are typical of the condition. That often leads to a reduction or even elimination of the symptoms of IBS.

Nearly one in five American adults are believed to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome yet, because it is so easy to confuse with normal stomach upsets, fewer than half seek professional diagnosis and treatment. The condition itself is not particularly serious and certainly not life threatening. But the overlap in many of the symptoms warrant a visit to the physician if they persist. That will help individuals discover if a more serious underlying condition is at fault.