Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms of cramping, bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea and constipation. About 20 percent of adults in the United States have irritable bowel syndrome, with women more often affected than men, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The cause of the condition is not well understood, and treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms.
Diet
Certain dietary measures can help to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritating foods may vary among individuals with IBS, so keep a journal of foods that trigger symptoms. Some people with the disorder may be intolerant of milk sugar, or lactose, and should avoid most dairy products. Caffeine may worsen the symptoms of IBS and promote anxiety. Most sufferers should avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, lentils and cabbage. Getting plenty of soluble fiber in the diet can help relieve constipation. Whole grains, sweet potatoes and beets are good sources of soluble fiber. The sweeteners fructose, sorbitol and mannitol can produce gas and should be avoided.
Medication
Antispasmodic drugs called anticholinergics, are sometimes used to calm smooth muscle spasms within the intestine. This can help reduce the abdominal pain associated with IBS.
Tricyclic antidepressants are often helpful in reducing symptoms of gas, bloating and pain. They can also help lessen the depression that sometimes accompanies IBS.
Lorperimide, given before meals, helps to alleviate diarrhea.
Lubiprostone is a medication for constipation that is used when other treatments are unsuccessful.
Alosterone is a drug that is carefully used on a restricted basis because of potentially serious side effects. It is only used to control diarrhea in women with IBS when all other measures have failed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Probiotics
Merck Manuals Medical Library states that probiotics have been shown to be useful in the treatment of IBS. These helpful bacteria are part of the normal flora found in the intestinal tract, and play an important role in the general health of the colonic environment. Certain strains of bacteria may be more helpful than others. In an article from the Winter 2009 issue of the Review of Gastroenterological Disorders, the authors conclude that the probiotic strain bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has anti-inflammatory capabilities helpful in the treatment of IBS.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil may be beneficial for treatment of IBS symptoms, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The peppermint oil needs to be enteric coated so that the capsules dissolve in the intestine, and not in the stomach.
