Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain and discomforts due to cramping, gas, constipation and bloating. Although IBS doesn't lead to permanent colon damage, the associated pain can be debilitating, and as of January 2011 IBS has no cure. Fortunately, you have options for soothing pain when it arises. Ultimately, however, the best way to soothe the pain of IBS is to couple your doctor's advice with permanent lifestyle changes.
Step 1
Warm up a heating pad. If you enjoy relaxing in a hot tub, you probably already know that heat is soothing. However, research published in the "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" shows that using low-level continuous heat can help hasten pain relief. Use a traditional heating pad on your abdomen when sitting at home, or invest in a wearable heating pad.
Step 2
Drink soothing tea. Herbal teas that contain ginger, chamomile and peppermint -- or any tea with a name such as "Tummy Tamer" -- may help reduce abdominal discomfort. Place a tea bag in hot water and allow it to steep for at least three minutes. Drink when the tea is still warm.
Step 3
Perform deep breathing exercises. Because your autonomic nervous system partly controls your digestive system, feeling tense, overwhelmed or troubled leads to stress and can cause extra colon spasms if you have IBS. Additionally, being under stress can lead your mind to feel more in tune with the sensations in your colon, which may lead you to feel heightened discomfort due to IBS. When you feel abdominal discomfort, take 10 deep consecutive breaths from the stomach; a sufficiently deep breath causes your stomach to rise and fall. For long-term stress relief, get at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night, seek counseling, take a yoga class, and reduce changeable sources of stress such as a job or current relationship.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about medication options. He may recommend an over-the-counter fiber supplement or laxative to reduce constipation, or an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal if you frequently suffer from diarrhea. He may also prescribe an antispasmodic to control muscle spasms in your colon. Alternately, he may prescribe an antidepressant to normalize a chemical called serotonin, which purportedly helps regulate bowel function, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Step 5
Make a list of foods, drinks and habits that trigger your symptoms. Common IBS culprits include caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, dairy, sugar-free sweeteners, fatty foods and gassy foods such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. Habits that may cause IBS symptoms include drinking from a straw, chewing gum and eating infrequently. Writing down symptoms and associating them with daily meals and activities helps you recognize what habits or foods to avoid.
Things You'll Need
- Heating pad
- Peppermint, ginger or chamomile tea
- Pen
- Paper
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Mayo Clinic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms
- Reader's Digest: Stomach Soothers
- PubMed.gov: Continuous Low-Level Heat Wrap Therapy is Effective for Treating Wrist Pain
