Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Overview

A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) can help manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms by reducing gas production and bloating.

Probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria, can help improve symptoms of IBS by restoring balance to the gut microbiome.

Antispasmodic agents, like hyoscyamine and dicyclomine, reduce pain and diarrhea in IBS by decreasing muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). It targets bacteria in the gut that may contribute to the condition, helping to reduce diarrhea.

Eluxadoline is a medication used for IBS-D. It works by reducing contractions in the colon, which helps to relieve diarrhea and pain.

Alosetron is a medication for women with severe IBS-D that hasn't responded to other treatments. It blocks serotonin, reducing bowel activity and diarrhea. Due to serious side effects, it's only available in a restricted access program.

Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication that can help with IBS-D by slowing down bowel movements.

Linaclotide is a medication for IBS-C that works by increasing fluid and mucus in the intestines, promoting bowel movements.

Lubiprostone is a medication specifically for women with IBS-C. It works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion, helping to promote softer, easier bowel movements.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress management techniques can help IBS patients cope with their condition by addressing stress and changing negative thought patterns.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of both.

There is no definitive cause for IBS, but studies show a link between stress and its onset or worsening of symptoms.

IBS affects women more frequently than men, with a ratio of roughly 2 to 2.5 women for every man affected.

IBS symptoms often include abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in stool frequency (more or less frequent bowel movements), and alterations in stool consistency (hard, loose, or mixed).

IBS is categorized into subtypes based on stool patterns: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with mixed symptoms, and IBS without a clear pattern.

Although IBS has no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms with strategies like stress management, dietary changes, and medication to regulate gut motility and reduce discomfort.

A thorough medical history is crucial to diagnose IBS. This includes gathering information about current symptoms, past health issues, family history, and medication and dietary habits.

Diagnostic tests are used to rule out other conditions such as: colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, and malabsorption disorders.

IBS is considered a functional disorder, which means it doesn't involve inflammation or structural abnormalities in the intestines.

Commonly experienced alongside IBS symptoms, bloating, flatulence, urgency, mucus in stool, a feeling of incomplete emptying, fatigue, headache, and sleep issues are all associated with IBS.