It is not contagious and does not have links to cancer. Hormonal changes can make symptoms worse. For example, symptoms are often more severe in women around the time of menstruation.
There is no cure for IBS. Treating IBS usually involves some dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as learning how to manage stress. Avoiding gluten can also reduce the risk of flares. Gluten free food products and alternatives are now widely available.
Find out more about gluten. The following medications may help IBS symptoms :. These are usually the last line of treatment when other lifestyle or therapeutic interventions have failed, and symptoms remain severe. Laxatives are available to purchase over-the-counter OTC or online.
Loperamide is also available to purchase online. Some people may find psychological therapy useful in reducing IBS flares and the impact of symptoms: Techniques include;. As experts learn more about possible links between IBS and microbial activity there is hope that, one day, new treatments will be available that target this factor effectively. Until recently, there was no specific imaging or laboratory test to support an IBS diagnosis. During diagnosis, a doctor will aim to rule out conditions that produce symptoms similar to IBS.
They will also follow a procedure to categorize the symptoms. Many people experience different types of IBS over time. More women than men are prone to IBS, and symptoms tend to first occur in early adulthood.
The cause is unknown, but environmental factors such as changes of routine, emotional stress, infection and diet can trigger an attack. Research has shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin may be important in the symptoms of IBS, by altering the function of nerve cells in the bowel and causing changes in pain sensation and bowel function.
None of these symptoms are exclusive to IBS. It is unusual for IBS to produce these symptoms, for the first time, after the age of These include:. Coeliac disease an immune intolerance to gluten, present in wheat and other grains may produce many of the same symptoms as IBS. Lactose intolerance may produce bloating, cramps and diarrhoea.
Diagnosis methods include:. IBS cannot be cured with medication or special diets. The primary preventative measure is to identify and avoid individual triggers.
Treatment options may include:. This diet can be commenced with the supervision of a dietician experienced in management of IBS. A small number of medications have been developed to treat IBS and have been shown to be effective in selected groups in clinical trials. These work on the interaction between serotonin and nerve cells of the colon. They include alosetron, cilansetron and tegaserod.
Safety concerns with these three medications has led to their withdrawal from the market, or restricted use only, and none are presently licensed in Australia. To treat IBS with constipation , your doctor may recommend. Other medicines may help treat pain in your abdomen , including. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects and what to do if you have them. Your doctor may also recommend probiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms , most often bacteria , that are similar to microorganisms you normally have in your digestive tract.
Researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat IBS. Many patients worry about their symptoms and what will happen to them in the future. IBS is troubling and uncomfortable, but the condition itself does not increase your risk of any future health difficulties. Bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea may respond to dietary modification. For example, caffeine or fatty foods stimulate colonic contractions, so someone with IBS and diarrhea might have improvement by reducing their daily intake of caffeinated beverages and rich foods.
Those who suffer with bloating and abdominal discomfort might benefit from eating less food containing carbohydrates that are not digested well in the small intestine.
Many healthy foods, including some fruits and vegetables, contain these types of fermentable carbohydrates, in addition to fiber, another source of intestinal gas production. Finding the right balance of healthy foods can be a challenge if you have IBS.
Ask your doctor if you might benefit from a trial of the low FODMAPs fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet that has been shown in research studies to help reduce gassiness, abdominal pain and bloating in patients with IBS. Working with a nutritionist is always recommended to make sure you are still getting all the nutrients you need, no matter which diet you are on. There is a strong connection between the nervous system and colonic function.
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