What Are Some Treatments For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS has
no cure, but you relieve symptom its symptoms.
Most treatments involve medication couple with
diet changes and stress management. You will probably
have to try a combination of things to see which
works best for you. Only your doctor can help
you decide the best treatments, for your particular
symptoms. Medication plays an important part in
treating and relieving symptoms of IBS.
The doctor may suggest fiber supplements
or laxatives for constipation, as well as medication
to decrease diarrhea, tranquilizers to calm you,
or drugs that control colon spasms. In some cases
anti-depressants may also relieve some IBS symptoms.
Medications Available
To Treat IBS Include;
- Lotronex – Alosetron hydrochloride.
This drug has been re-approved by the FDA for
women with severe IBS who have not responded
to conventional therapy and who suffer from
IBS with diarrhea. Caution needs to be exercised
with this medication as it can have serious
side effects, such as severe constipation or
decreased blood flow to the colon. Patients
who are considering Lotronex need to seriously
consider the benefit of the drug with its risks.
- Zelnorm – Tegaserod maleate. This medication
is used in the short-term treatment of IBS with
constipation by women only. This medicine can
cause serious side effects as well. In April
2004 the FDA warned that Zelnorm may cause serious
consequences of diarrhea, including significant
fluid loss, low blood pressure, and episodes
of passing out. The FDA recommends that Zelnorm
be discontinued immediately in patients who
develop low blood pressure or passing out spells.
Zelnorm should not be used in patients who currently
have or frequently have diarrhea.
- Anti-spasmodic drugs like Bentyl and Levsin
are considered to part of a class of anti-cholinergic
drugs, which act by decreasing the abnormal
sensitivity of choninergic receptors in gut.
Basically these drugs relieve stomach cramps
by relaxing the gut muscles. But unfortunately
these drugs can cause constipation, and so are
not usually prescribed.
- Antacids/anti-gas medications like Simethicone
or BEANO are prescribed as they aid in reducing
lower abdominal pain and embarrassing symptoms
of IBS like flatulence. However, they are not
an effective treatment for other IBS symptoms.
- Anti-diarrhea medications like Loperamide
or Immodium are also used to treat symptoms
of IBS. Loperamide is a new opioid receptor
agonist which delays small and large bowel transit
and increases rectal sphincteric muscle tone.
Many IBS sufferers also turn to OTC anti-diarrhea
drugs for relief of IBS with diarrhea. These
drugs, however, do not help with other IBS symptoms
such as stomach aches or swelling. Side effects
of these treatments include stomach cramping,
discomfort and enlargement, along with dry mouth,
dizziness, and constipation.
- Prokinetic Agents such as Cisapride or Propulsid
help in gastroesophageal reflux disease and
dyspepsia related to delayed gastric emptying.
Its effectiveness in constipation predominant
IBS, however has not been well established.
- Tricyclic anti-depressants like amitriptyline,
imipramine, and despramine or selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine, sertraline,
and paroxetine are commonly used to treat IBS.
However, their efficiency is still being debated.
Antidepressants work by blocking the brain's
perception of pain in the gut. Some side effects
of tricyclic antidepressants include dry mouth,
drowsiness, and blurred vision.
- Over-the-counter medications, laxatives and
fiber supplements, are also given to treat symptoms
of IBS. It is important to follow your doctor’s
instruction, while taking laxatives as they
can become habit forming. Other OTC products
such as Pepto-Bismol and antacids are generally
safe. Fiber supplements may increase bowel movement,
but they do not appear to help with other IBS
symptoms. In fact, extra doses of fiber may
worsen abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort
in some people with IBS.
It is important to note that all medications
affect people differently and that no one combination
of medications will work for everyone with IBS.
IBS treatment focuses on controlling, rather than
curing, the symptoms of this disorder.
Diet Changes
Sometimes a simple change in diet works wonders
for many. People feel better after cutting fat
from their meals, or reducing their caffeine and
alcohol intake. Some people also find that their
symptoms get better as they stay away from dairy
products.
Dietary fiber may also lessen IBS symptoms for
many. Whole grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits,
and vegetables are great sources of fiber. High-fiber
diets help prevent colon muscle spasms from developing.
Doctors usually recommend that you eat just enough
fiber so that you have soft, easily passed, and
painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may
cause gas or bloating.
Stress Management
Learning to reduce stress can help. Stress tends
to stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS.
With less stress, some people find that they have
less cramping and pain, and this makes it easier
to manage their symptoms. Meditation, exercise,
and counseling are great ways to beat stress.
Stress Management
Comprises
- relaxation therapies
- counseling and support
- regular exercise like walking or yoga
- getting adequate sleep
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